ACS has written to all MPs today (23rd March), detailing the crucial role that local shops are playing in their constituencies in response to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.
In the letter, ACS outlines the extraordinary effort being undertaken by retailers and their colleagues across Britain’s 46,000 local shops who are going the extra mile to ensure that local customers can still have access to essential goods and services.
The letter also reassures MPs that the food supply chain is functioning normally with food still being produced and distributed, and any shortages are due to exceptional demand on some products.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “It is important that MPs understand the incredible work that local shops are doing to keep their local communities going. Whether its dedicating opening hours to vulnerable and elderly customers, starting a home delivery service to reach customers that can’t get in to store, or working additional hours through the night to make sure that stores are restocked for the following day, convenience stores are going above and beyond to serve their local customers.”
The Government has introduced a series of measures aimed at helping local shops and other businesses to cope with the disruption caused by the Covid-19 outbreak. All of the latest information on Government support, as well as a wide range of resources for retailers developed by ACS on areas like social distancing and home delivery, are available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/covid-19-coronavirus
