// McColl’s stores are currently open across the UK during Covid-19 pandemic
// The retailer said it is closely monitoring government advice
McColl’s has put in place a range of policies designed to protect colleagues and customers to keep its stores open amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The British convenience retailer said given the period of uncertainty and unprecedented disruption, its priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of its staff and customers.
“We continue to closely monitor the latest government advice and offer our support to the government to help serve local communities across the UK,” McColl’s said.
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The retailer said all its stores were currently open and “well-placed” to serve communities.
Corner stores and food retailers are listed as exceptions from the lockdown announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night, as they offer an essential service.
Meanwhile, McColl’s has enabled its head office to support its stores via remote working arrangements.
McColl’s also said it is continuing to work with its wholesale partners, while investigating complementary channels, to supply the in-demand products for customers.
The news comes after supermarkets across the UK reported a surge in demand of staple products, as customers stockpiled after the outbreak raised fears.
Almost all of the major supermarket chains have even begun rationing products to two or three per person in a bid to prevent panic-buying.
Regarding the outbreak, McColl’s said: “We have also prudently modelled a range of potential future downside scenarios, which we are confident we have the financial and operational flexibility to deal with.”
McColl’s chief executive Jonathan Miller added: “Given the situation, we urge our customers – over half of whom live within just 400 million of our stores – to buy only what they need and to help the elderly and vulnerable with their shopping needs if they are able to do so.”
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