Supermarket quietest times: When is best to go to shops during coronavirus panic buying and stockpiling
SUPERMARKET shelves are being emptied by shoppers across the UK despite the government warning people not to panic buy.
Big chains like Asda, Tesco and Aldi have are all closing stores early so that they can restock stores over night to help deal with the increased demand due to coronavirus.
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But when is the best time to shop to make sure you can buy the items you want.
Find the best time to shop
If you search for your local supermarket on Google you will be able find out when it's most popular with shoppers.
It will show you traffic volumes of people based on an average score, as well "live" data.
Firstly, search the shop you want to visit. Then click on the location and this will reveal extra data.
The blue shows the average amount of shoppers, while the pink shows the number of people in the store at the time you're looking.
Shops are likely to be busy at the moment but it could help you pinpoint a time when fewer shoppers tend to visit.
If you go early then prepare to queue
Many shoppers are turning up early at supermarkets to be first in line before they open.
If you're thinking about doing this then be prepared to queue outside in the cold.
Make sure you wrap up warm and don't mind being with crowds.
The bonus of going early is that you will have access to the store which has been fully stocked overnight.
However, some shops are now stocking up their shelves throughout the day to give everyone a chance to get supplies.
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Should you go late?
If you go late it's highly likely that stock may be low, so it depends what you need.
Popular essential items like loo roll and handwash are high in demand and while supermarkets say they have lots of stock they don't have enough time or staff to replenish everything at once.
It is worth checking though because supermarket staff are working tirelessly to get items out on the shop floor, spreading out the stock they put on the shelves so those going later have a chance to pick up what they need.
Ask shop floor staff for help
If you can't find an item then try asking staff for help.
If you're vulnerable shopper then you might be able to ask staff to keep items for you.
They don't have to help you but it's worth trying.
Other shoppers might want to ask staff when key items that they want are going to be restocked as this may change.
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If you're older make use of 'silver' shopping hours
Some supermarkets and retailers are giving elderly shoppers access to stores earlier then others so they can complete their shopping.
Sainsbury's opened its doors early to shoppers today, while Iceland is doing the same.
But it varies between branches so it's worth checking before you visit.
Morrisons is providing extra help to the vulnerable and elderly between 9 and 10am, Monday to Saturday.