This week’s winner was Waitrose’s High Wycombe branch, which scored 85 points and was “a pleasure to shop in” – despite some availability issues.
While our mystery shopper managed to buy nearly all the items on her list except the Monster energy drink, which was not stocked, she noticed some shelves looked quite empty for a Saturday morning.
Nevertheless, the store was commended for its neatness, cleanliness and “attractive” displays across counters. Staff were “very polite”, promptly helping our shopper look for her items or checking in with stockroom colleagues. The checkout area also ran efficiently.
Runner-up was Sainsbury’s in Leek with 78 points. The store was described as clean and well-stocked, with eye-popping displays such as the seasonal promotion aisle featuring varied picnic and garden items. The branch’s layout was “first class”, and the shop floor staff were quick to assist our visitor.
However, she noted the branch felt more like a department store than a supermarket due to the size of its clothing and homeware departments. She felt the food area was “stuck to the side, almost as an afterthought”.
Our shopper left with a total of 30 items as three were out of stock. Nevertheless, she called it a “very pleasant outing”.
Trailing by just one point was Tesco’s Swindon branch, which delighted our shopper due to its strong store standards and overall availability. She said she would “definitely return”.
The store was large and featured a department area upstairs. Some sections, particularly the seafood counter and the flower display, caught our shopper’s attention. She noticed some shelves were empty, but many alternative products were available. The Monster energy drink was out of stock, as was the Wrigley’s Extra chewing gum.
Asda’s Reddish superstore in Stockport was fourth with 74 points. It was “tidy and well organised”, and our shopper managed to get hold of 30 items.
While the food to go section was “poorly stocked”, it was being replenished. The pizza counter was well stocked and looked “appetising”.
Staff were generally helpful, with one member spending several minutes trying to locate an item in the warehouse, which left our shopper feeling like a “valued customer”.
Morrisons in Chester-le-Street fell behind by five points, mainly due to the low availability. But staff were in the midst of replenishing most aisles, and our shopper was impressed by the standards of tidiness and cleanliness considering the “frantic” restocking activity.
According to our shopper, low availability on Saturdays has been a recurring issue for this branch lately. The generally well-stocked counters were an exception, and the fishmongers’ “attractive presentation” was noted.
All the staff members were highly professional, although some were not wearing masks. Our shopper managed to cross 31 items off her list.
Guest retailer Iceland came in last, with its Canvey Island branch scoring only 53 points. This was because, despite the store being generally well stocked, many of our shopper’s items were not available (two were out of stock and nine were not stocked).
However, staff were helpful in trying to locate specific items and often offered alternative options. The till area was also well managed, making for a smooth and quick checkout experience.
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