Selfridges have reopened their doors today, selling groceries and essential household items to locals.
Selfridges was one of the first major stores to shut its doors due to coronavirus, way back in the middle of March (Ha! Remember March?). But this morning, May 1, they announced that they are opening their Foodhall to serve the local community.
Prioritising the health and safety of staff and customers, Selfridges have taken precautions to minimise risk of contagion, in line with advice and guidance from Public Health England and relevant authorities.
Strict social distancing measures will be in place, including but not limited to a one-way system in and out of the Foodhall, hand sanitising stations, protective screens at till points, and a limit to the number of customers in the store at any one time.
The Foodhall will stock everything from groceries to fresh food from the bakery, butcher and fishmonger. They’ll also be offering a range of essential household items and basic pharmacy items, as well as brand new food boxes and DIY kits for people who want to come out of lockdown with a new skill up their sleeve. These will include bake-your-own bread, pizza and pasta kits.
NHS, health and social care workers will have priority access—with free use of the carpark, a dedicated entrance, and a fast track check out.
Director of Food, Michael Weber, said: “We are pleased to be reopening the doors to our Foodhall and to begin serving our local community once again. We are working hard to ensure our customers and our team members are met with a secure and welcoming environment, including a few Selfridges experiences to bring a little brightness to everyone’s day.”
Any surplus food from the Foodhall will be distributed to three charities: City Harvest, a charity that donates leftover food from the industry to those in need; Shoreditch-based charity The Little Things, who create food packages for vulnerable households; and HEROES, a new charity supporting the welfare and wellbeing of NHS staff.
Selfridges’ Foodhall is open from May 1 with reduced opening hours. 10am until 6pm daily (11am to 5pm on Sundays).
Featured image: © Matt Writtle, 2020