Following the news that French supermarkets Carrefour and Auchan are working together to create standardized practices:

 Thomas Brereton, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view on the situation:

 “We have seen many UK supermarkets adapt quickly and act sympathetically during this crisis, but, as the situation continues to evolve, our supermarkets must now create a more unified approach to their policies to make it easier for consumers to shop.

 “It is vital that shoppers know which hours are suitable for them to shop during and what are the expected measures in stores; retailers must collaborate to do so more effectively, and build clear procedures that are practical both nationwide and across the individual grocers. Furthermore, while Carrefour and Auchan’s updated policies are focused on employees (augmented hygiene and safety measures, vulnerable employee support, etc.), UK retailers should be combining to set the bar globally on customer-centric support initiatives.”