Morrisons Announces Big Change to Queueing Rules outside Supermarkets
In the News
Morrisons has just introduced a new system for people queueing to get inside one of its supermarkets - and it's great news for smaller households.
Realising not all customers are equal in terms of how long they spend in store, the supermarket chain decided it would let three people in using baskets for every person using a trolley.
More than that, it also sped up the checkout process for people only picking up a few bits and bobs - meaning more people will get both in and out faster.
Chief executive David Potts said: “It’s fair that customers doing smaller shopping trips should queue for less time too.
"Speedy Shopping will ensure that Morrisons stores will be more convenient for customers wanting a small basket of items."
The changes see a new "Speedy Shopping" lane introduced outside Morrisons stores.
New signs have been brought in and it will be policed by Morrisons marshals.
The faster queue leads people to shopping baskets at the entrance, while the other one takes people to trolleys.
Once inside the store, marshals will guide customers to the appropriate queues at the checkout too.
Dedicated Speedy Shopper checkouts are in place - letting people either self scan or got to a member of staff.
It's the latest in a series of changes to stores as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Since March Morrisons has also introduced:
Protective screens introduced around the till area of almost 6,500 main bank checkouts in ten days, plus further screens introduced in front of checkouts, pharmacy counters and customer service desks
Social distancing measures at all Morrisons sites, including marshal-controlled entry and reconfigured customer flow at all stores
Temporarily closed all in-store cafés, food-to-go and service counters
Contactless in-store card payment limit lifted from £30 to £45
NHS workers' hour early in the morning, allowing queue-free access to Morrisons stores when shelves are fully stocked
NHS workers' 10% Morrisons discount
Hand sanitiser, gloves, and masks available for all store staff
Increased cleaning and other health and safety initiatives at all our sites
I haven't actually visited any stores since the lockdown began but can see the benefit of this new scheme. I have been using the 'store delivery services' when I can get slots and even though it seems we are allowed out now, I am in no hurry to go anywhere, anytime soon! 
tumblespots I haven't been using delivery due to not being elderly or 'vulnerable'. I won't be rude and ask what your health condition is but hope you haven't struggled while healthy people in their 20s take slots.
Dennab It has been many many years since I was 20! But that aside, you don't have to be vulnerable to get a slot, there are slots available for others - they just keep a large number on one side for the elderly & vulnerable. Also, the government advice was that you should stay home & order online if you can. I certainly don't want to go through the queuing (who knows how long for) for products that may not even be on the shelves when I get there, if nothing else - I would want a wee! Illness & age are great levellers.
tumblespots Nowhere on the government advice does it say normal healthy people should shop online. It certainly does encourage them to shop for others while out as well.
Unfortunately, those slots have not been reserved for the people who need them all of the time.
Anyway, if you are concerned about needing a wee it sounds like you must be in the same age bracket as my Mum who said the same thing and is ordering online! I won't state any numbers. 
I have not been out past my house boundary/garden since 22/3. I don't like my family putting themselves at extra risk on my account so was very relieved to get an unexpected slot with Iceland last week. I thought I would then be able to get a delivery every 7/10 days. Yesterday I went online to begin next shopping list to find a message saying from 9 to 11am slots were only open to vulnerable etc. That meant that by 11 when they opened to every one else they were all gone. I didn't get a doctor's letter but am in late 60s, have thyroid, hbp, osteoarthritis, and borderline D2. I am frightened of going out but looks like I will have to shop from now on. I have no Morrisons and hear horror stories of other supermarkets in my area.
ADDENDUM
So, I waited with finger hovering at 11 and the only slot available was 9 to 11pm on Saturday. I clicked and was told 'sorry your delivery cannot be booked'. Two minutes later it was no longer available not any for the coming week.
Dennab Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save lives - clearly this didn't mean to stay home then?!
Just like Lynibis I have stayed at home since the beginning but none of us should have to justify ourselves to others on this site or anywhere else and I am not about to start stating my medical problems. Everyone else should just trust that we don't stay at home just for fun... we do it so that we don't contract Covid and subsequently pass it on to others.
Lynibis I do feel for you, it is difficult getting delivery slots around this area too. Just keep trying the sites. Mr Tumblespots always seems able to find the slots - usually when I have just gone for a shower or out in the garden covered in mud (fortunately, not from head to toe 
). Good luck getting your next slot
tumblespots I must admit that my post seemed like a bit of a whinge now I read it back. I certainly don't feel that a vulnerable person should not have a slot to oblige the likes of me, perfectly able to go out but suffering from the new fogo (fear of going out). If I knew it would just be a bad bout of flu I would gladly shop but this virus doesn't differentiate between anyone so someone fit and healthy can die and many in their 80s survive. It is no respecter of persons.
However, I know my family would be there for me and I have a pretty good stock of food to seem me for a while so I am going to shut up and put up lol.
Lynibis I didn't think you were whinging, just telling it as it is. I have the FOGO too and can't contemplate going anywhere, as you say the virus doesn't discriminate. We are lucky to have a garden to out into, I really feel for those who don't and especially those in blocks of flats. I don't think the government has thought this through, staying 2 yards away from people isn't practical for many (especially those in the aforementioned flats).
Lynibis tumblespots Just to clarify, my criticism is general and aimed at young, healthy people who if anything, could be supporting others if they do not have any health conditions in their household and certainly should not be taking those slots.
The supermarkets cannot and have not been controlling it enough for everybody who really needs a slot to get one and I am basing that on what other members on here have said.
I know people in their 70s visiting supermarkets but not asking either of you to justify why you're ordering online. I don't know your personal situation so certainly couldn't judge!
GreatDealsFind Where did you see the info? Not sure about "great for smaller households" My household is 2, I need a trolley and can be in and out in less time than someone with a basket. Also a lot of elderly like a trolley for support not shopping because they can't carry a basket, shopping bag and walking stick.
A very valid point, sometimes I use a small trolley for only a few bits because it gets heavier and heavier carrying a basket. A trolley is also easier to get your purchases to your car.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/morrisons-announces-big-change-queueing-22019061
It is a copy and paste article lilyflower so not really in the spirit of chat but hey ho.
What's your view on this GreatDealsFind? I am hoping the other supermarkets think about doing this because it will mean I don't need to visit the dirty little local shop for a milk top up.
Update Auntielettie Lynibis Dennab tumblespots GreatDealsFind I've just been to local Morrisons and there were indeed 2 queues, a verrrryyyyy long one for those with a trolley and a one with baskets waiting to be picked up, no people. The door 'pointer' was offering 'fast check out baskets' to single (some took one) or elderly shoppers (all wanted a trolley). The 'fast shopper checkout lane' inside the store was empty. The new system made no difference to the time it took me to do my shopping.
Thanks for that, I am not particularly surprised as, like me, they probably can't can't much. I could never take a basket. 
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