UK supermarkets feel the pressure as coronavirus sparks online ordering frenzy

As the coronavirus intensifies, Ocado is struggling under increased pressure from customers trying to order food online.

The pureplay is not allowing new customers to register. Those who try will get an email reading: "In this time of unusual demand, we have made the call to temporarily prioritise deliveries for our existing customers.”

"We’re very sorry, but as a result we are unable to offer you a delivery slot at the moment. Unfortunately, new customer bookings will not be processed."

Meanwhile, a queuing system is in place for existing customers. This has thousands of people in it and takes several hours to clear. But when you get to the front of the queue there are no slots available.

Elsewhere, Sainsbury's is currently not accepting registrations for new customers. A notice on its website reads: "Due to the huge increase in online orders, we're pausing new registrations for the time being."

Even for existing customers, there are currently no delivery slots as the grocery giant prioritises the vulnerable members of our society. It is, however, offering an expanded Click and Collect service across the UK.

Tesco and Morrisons, meanwhile, have no available delivery slots for the next few weeks.

All of which led comedian, author, screenwriter and TV presenter, David Baddiel, to quip on Twitter: “Keen to follow the government guidelines about using home delivery for groceries, although had hoped that the pandemic might be over by the time of the first available delivery slot of every supermarket which appears to be mid-2022.”

Social distancing

Earlier this week, the UK joined the long list of countries that have ushered in lockdown measures.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson talked of a "moment of national emergency" and said staying at home was necessary to protect the NHS and save lives. The restrictions would be in place for at least three weeks and would be kept under constant review, he added.

The British Retail Consortium welcomed the move. “Retailers understand the need for government to act quickly and decisively to protect public health and combat coronavirus,” said Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive.

“The safety of customers and staff is paramount, which is why retailers have responded swiftly and positively to evolving government guidance on social distancing and other hygiene matters. Indeed, many retailers had gone further and already closed shops temporarily.”

"Others have continued to provide essential products and services to their customers, both from physical stores and online. Any retailers that remain open will be following the very latest government public health guidance to ensure they do everything they can to ensure the safety of customers and staff,” Dickinson added.

“The public also has a vital role to play in maintaining lifesaving social distancing practices, both in and out of stores. We must all be considerate of the needs of those around us, and respectful of the retail staff who are working round the clock to put food and other essential items on our shelves and into our homes.”

UPDATE: Ocado CEO Melanie Smith has posted an update on the retailer’s efforts to “keep up with unprecedented demand.” Check it out here.