Sainsbury's earlsfield local

Source: Sainsbury’s

A Sainsbury’s local in Manchester was forced to close after looters trashed shelves

Retailers across the country are reeling after a week of violent riots by far-right supporters.

More than 400 people have been arrested so far in the violence, which erupted in the wake of the murder of three children in Southport on 29 July. Many of the rioters appear to be affiliated with far-right groups, and several have been filmed openly expressing racist views.

Mosques and hotels reported to be housing immigrants were key targets. However, rioters also descended upon stores – with Greggs, Sainsbury’s and Iceland among the big-name grocers to face looting.

Many more independents fell victim to attacks, with shopkeepers forced to set up fundraisers to restore damage and losses from theft.

One convenience store in Walton, Merseyside was set on fire during a riot last weekend, as reported by The Grocer’s sister brand Convenience Store. Also in Liverpool, retailer Ardalan Othman has had to set up a Gofundme after suffering £25,000 in damages.

Other retailers have been forced to close early following police warnings of riots, including Mike Lakhani of Premier in Southampton. “It’s a scare to the industry, as it is us retailers and our staff that are on the frontline,” he said.

Trade bodies hurried to provide support and advice to members caught up in the violence.

On Wednesday, over 190 retailers dialled into an emergency call hosted by the BRC. It included operations leaders from major grocers and independent operators as well as representatives from the Home Office, Department for Business & Trade and the police.

Ahead of the call, BRC CEO Helen Dickinson warned BBC Radio 4’s Today programme continued violence could affect retail sales. “Footfall into city centres is falling significantly, which is impacting businesses, but the real focus is on people and making sure that employees and customers are kept safe.”

The ACS said it was talking to the Home Office about how the Riot Compensation Act’s provisions could be applied.

 

 

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s confirmed one its stores in Manchester had been affected. “Our Mosley Street store closed early on Saturday due to events in the area. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused,” she said.

One video widely reshared across social media showed an Iceland store in Middlesborough, which had had its security screen forced up. Looters are then seen entering and leaving the store with items including a Frijj milkshake.

Another video shot in Hull shows looters trying to smash their way into a Greggs store. Images later showed a young man running out of the store with a large blue baking tray.

Shoe Zone and Lush have also had stores damaged.

 

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