An ex-Tesco employee has shared some truths that they wish they could say to customers.
With Christmas over, people nationwide will have recently been struck with the stress of heading to the supermarket to stock up on festive bits. In fact, many of us will be repeating this painful cycle ahead of New Year’s Eve.
Retailers like Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and more see a significant increase in footfall during this period, with shoppers ensuring they have all their bits. As such, it’s understandable for tensions to rise among both consumers and staff who face immense pressure due to high demand.
A former Tesco worker previously told the Mirror what they’d like to tell customers during these challenging times, from disliking asking for ID to the plastic bag charge. Here’s what they had to say.
1.I know it’s three minutes until we open, but I can’t unlock the doors just because you’re standing there
The ex-employee said: “You’re early, that’s great. But unfortunately when we open at 7am, that means 7am.
“I’m sorry if it’s raining, or you’re cold. But looking at me with a face like thunder isn’t going to speed this process up.”
2. Huffing and puffing in the queue won’t make me go any quicker on the checkouts
They said: “I’m not deliberately going slow – it’s just busy in here.”
3. Asking for ID is a chore, especially when the person is clearly over the age limit
The ex-Tesco worker admitted: “Feel flattered I’m asking you to prove you’re old enough to buy that bottle of vodka, because I’m not doing it for fun.”
4. Tesco fleeces are a winter essential
They said: “They aren’t the most flattering items of clothing to wear, but they are amazingly warm in those chilly winter months.”
5. Shoppers go wild for discounted items
The ex-worker joked: “Those yellow stickers are coming out, and it’s like shoppers can smell them a mile off.”
6. Stocking shelves can be a challenge
They said: “We all know those huge cages can get in the way, but getting the products off them is the real task.”
7. Staff don’t get free meal deals
The ex-worker revealed: “Going on lunch and finding yourself short of a few quid so you opt for that Tesco Everyday Value thick sliced bread that your managers generously left in the staff room.”
8. Customers often ask for discounts
The ex-worker confessed that they let out a sigh when a customer pleads with them to knock some pennies off.
“The last box of 10 pack fish fingers has been opened – it’s probably just a damaged box but hey, I’ll knock 10 per cent off to avoid the drama,” said the shop worker.
9. Carrier bags have nothing to do with staff
The carrier bag charge is definitely not their fault, as they explained: “Rolling your eyes when a customer blames Tesco for the 5p plastic bag charge – I’m all for saving the planet, but don’t take it out on the messenger.”
10. Clocking onto loyal customers’ routines
They also notice loyal customers’ routines, jokingly saying: “That’s right, Barbara. I see you doing the weekly shop at 7pm every Wednesday. I saw you last week, and the week before that, and the week before that…”
11. I hate the self service tills more than you
It seems we are not the only ones frustrated with self-service tills, as the former worker admitted: “And impatiently waving your product in front of the scanner isn’t going to make my life any easier.
“I hold the power to unlock these bad boys, and the red light flashing above you has already told me you need my help.”
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