Let’s Say Thank You to Our Retail Heroes

#RetailHeroes

Who stood on their front doorstep or balcony last Thursday at 8pm to ‘Clap for Carers’?

It was a brief, emotional moment in a challenging week, where thousands of us gave applause and paid our small tribute to the brave NHS and care workers.

A chance to say thanks to the selfless men and women, working around the clock in the face of this global crisis; treating those with Coronavirus, other illnesses or simply looking after people who cannot look after themselves.

Now, while we can’t thank these people enough for their efforts, it’s vital that we don’t forget those other unsung heroes across the nation who are providing other essential services.

That’s why this week we’re launching the ‘Respect for Retail Workers’ campaign to acknowledge the vital work that thousands of staff in the retail sector are doing and to say thank you.

Whether it’s supermarket staff, warehouse workers, delivery drivers or cleaners, without them we would not be able to get the food, drink and other essential items that we all need to survive.

On the Front Line

Food Retail workers are classed as key workers and are very much on the frontline of this Coronavirus crisis.

While the majority of us remain within the safety of our homes, they are travelling to work each day, often working long shifts, putting their health and that of their family at risk to ensure that the nation is fed.

As we sleep in our beds in the middle of night, scores of retail staff are already at work, ensuring the deliveries that arrive are unloaded and transferred onto the shelves in time for the store opening.

For anyone who has visited a supermarket or convenience store in recent weeks, then we’re certain that you can understand what a testing time this is for all those working in the retail sector.

While the vast majority of society has remained cordial, respectful and understanding of the current situation, there have been numerous incidents of supermarket workers receiving abuse. People venting frustrations at shortages of certain items, about restrictions that may be imposed on purchasing certain lines, or even about adhering to the essential social distancing policies put in place for everyone’s safety.

These are people performing an amazing and vital role, at a time when we need them the most, in an extremely challenging environment.

If you’re going shopping during this crisis please respect us retail workers!!! Give us enough space to work. We’re risking our health everyday, just to put stuff on the shelves for YOU. Also for the love of god please stop hoarding groceries.

— Hannah (@okayyham) March 29, 2020

Be Nice and Say Thanks

We are calling on everybody to be nice, show respect and to say ‘thank you’ to our Retail Heroes for the job that they are doing.

Whether it’s the greeter at the door, a merchandiser restocking the shelves, a cleaner, cashier or the person collecting the trolleys, please take a moment to reach out and show them that what they are doing matters by simply saying ‘thank you’ next time you visit your local store.

Let’s Do Our Bit To Keep Safe

We’d like to remind everyone that, in order protect retail workers and yourself, you need to follow these guidelines:

• Only shop if it’s essential - you should limit the amount of times that you shop each week and only visit a store to pick up essentials.
• The 2 metres rule – when visiting a store, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from store staff and other customer at all times.
• Listen to Instructions - most stores now have marshals/greeters at the entrance who are there to ensure that everyone knows and adheres to the social-distancing rules. Please listen to what they say and follow their instructions for everyone’s safety.
• Limit numbers – the less people in a store the better, so if you are going shopping, try to go alone. If you do need help, try to limit numbers by not taking along children or other family members from your household if possible.
• Limit touching – as Coronavirus can remain active for a length of time, please avoid touching surfaces or products unless absolutely necessary.
• Sanitise and wash your hands - as well as making sure you wash your hands as soon as you get home, you should make use of hand sanitiser if it’s available in-store.

A Kind Word Goes A Long Way

Without our retail workers, the effects of this Coronavirus crisis would be so much worse.

To our Retail Heroes, making significant personal sacrifices to ensure we can feed and care for our families, let us all say ‘thank you’.

You’ll be amazed what a difference it could make to their day, during this difficult period.

#RetailHeroes