Is Waitrose open today? Online delivery options and coronavirus opening hours
MOST Waitrose branches are open as usual as coronavirus continues to spread across the UK, but some stores in John Lewis shops are closed.
The supermarket chain has introduced new social distancing measures including limiting the number of customers in stores and has extra provisions in place to ensure elderly and vulnerable can get the food they need. Here are all the changes at Waitrose.
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When are Waitrose stores opening and closing?
Waitrose opening times vary from 7am to 8am, and some stores will be closing an hour early to allow staff to restock shelves -
The first opening hour will be dedicated to elderly and vulnerable customers, and their carers.
The temporary closure of John Lewis shops has forced the closure of the Waitrose foodhall in Bluewater, and Little Waitrose in Watford and Southampton. More is on their website.
Customers can no longer use click and collect in Waitrose John Lewis shops, but can still select this option to collect at other Waitrose stores or selected Co-Op stores and Booths if there are slots available.
Closing times of Waitrose stores ordinarily vary from 7pm to 9pm.
Unlike other chains, Waitrose has not dedicated a shopping hour to NHS workers but has set aside a proportion of hard-to-find and essential products exclusively for NHS staff when they show their ID card.
NHS staff are also given priority checkout service to ensure they are able to get through as quickly as possible.
What has Waitrose done to maintain social distancing?
Waitrose is now limiting the number of customers that can be in a supermarket or convenience shop at any one time.
Customer limits depend on the size of the branch and the number of tills and are at the discretion of the shop's manager.
Waitrose has also introduced "marshals" and signage to help manage queues outside shops and remind customers of the two metre social distancing rule.
In some stores the number of checkouts will be reduced so staff can spread out and checkout screens have been ordered to protect staff and customers.
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When is the best time to shop there?
Google has a tracker which allows you to see when the peak times are.
What should I buy when I’m there?
The Government and supermarkets have urged shoppers not to panic buy or stockpile and have repeatedly said there is “enough food for everyone”.
We have compiled a list of what you need for two weeks now that Boris Johnson has told Brits to shop as infrequently as possible.
Is there a limit on items?
Yes, Waitrose has a three-item limit on all products and has limited customers to two packets of toilet roll.
Exclusions to this include fresh fruit and vegetables, beers, wines, cider and spirits.
More from money
Can I order online?
Not at the moment. Waitrose's home delivery and click and collect services were at capacity with no slots available when The Sun checked online on March 24, 2020.
Waitrose says: "We’re working to increase our capacity again and are asking customers to bear with us.
"If you have an existing order with us, you will still be able to amend this."
