A former Tesco worker has spilled the beans about some things staff members would love to tell customers - but can't.
Christmas is one of the busiest times for supermarkets as shoppers flock to get their groceries ahead of the big day. But the festive period is stressful for customers as well as employees who are under huge pressure to deal with long queues and crowded aisles.
Now one Tesco ex-employee has spoken to the Mirror and shared 11 things staff would love to tell their customers, but can't. From ID-ing people to the carrier bag charge, this employee has shared their honest thoughts on the job. Here is what they had to say.
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1. I know it's three minutes until we open, but I can't unlock the doors just because you're standing there
The employee explained: "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
"I'm not deliberately going slow - it's just busy in here," they said.
3. We dread asking for someone's ID - and then finding out they're 30 anyway
The Tesco worker said: "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. The Tesco fleeces are so incredibly comfortable
Speaking on the fleeces, they said: "They aren't the most flattering items of clothing to wear, but they are amazingly warm in those chilly winter months."
5. The frustration of people gathering around you as you knock 30p off a pack of mince
"Those yellow stickers are coming out, and its like shoppers can smell them a mile off," they joke, when discussing discounted products.
6. The mindless game you play trying to squeeze another box of dolly mix on the shelf so you can finally get it out of the cage
We all know those huge cages can get in the way, but getting the products off them is the real task, according to the supermarket employee.
7. My lunch isn't a free Tesco meal deal, let me assure you
Instead, they get bread according to the worker who says: "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. That sigh you give when a customer pleads with you 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," quipped the retail worker.
9. The carrier bag charge is definitely not my fault
Rolling your eyes when a customer blames Tesco for the plastic bag charge - "I'm all for saving the planet, but don't take it out on the messenger," they say.
10. Clocking onto loyal customers' routines
They said: "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
The self-service till is hardly the place to be, according to the employee. They say: "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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