Tesco employee shares 11 things staff wish they could tell you – but they’re not allowed

People up and down the country will be heading out to do their Christmas Big Shop this week, but there are a few things staff at Tesco would love you to know before you go…

Christmas is just a few days away which means people up and down the country will be heading out to do their festive Big Shops this week. The annual trip to your local supermarket can be a stressful (not to mention expensive) outing.

But as you push that broken trolley with a mind of its own up and down the aisles while telling the kids you don’t need 36 boxes of Celebrations, spare a thought for the staff working anti-social hours this festive period.

Employees at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Aldi and our other favourite food stores work around the clock to make sure we can buy the tasty treats and essentials we need ready for the big day.

But as well as stacking the shelves, working the tills and serving up fresh items at the speciality counters, the main part of the job is dealing with customers. While we would like to hope everyone is polite, kind and understanding all the time – we imagine this probably isn’t the case – especially when you throw in that Christmas stress.

In fact, according to one former Tesco employee people can be downright rude. Having spent many years working in their local store, the member of staff has lifted the lid on the things they would love to say to shoppers – but they’re not allowed.

Some are funny and interesting, but others are really eye-opening.

1. I know it’s three minutes until we open, but I can’t unlock the doors just because you’re standing there

You’re early, that’s great. But unfortunately when we open at 7am, that means 7am.

I’m sorry if it’s raining, or you’re cold. But looking at me with a face like thunder isn’t going to speed this process up.

2. Huffing and puffing in the queue won’t make me go any quicker on the checkouts

I’m not deliberately going slow – it’s just busy in here.

3. We dread asking for someone’s ID – and then finding out they’re 30 anyway

Feel flattered I’m asking you to prove you’re old enough to buy that bottle of vodka, because I’m not doing it for fun.

4. The Tesco fleeces are so incredibly comfortable

They aren’t the most flattering items of clothing to wear, but they are amazingly warm in those chilly winter months.

5. The frustration of people gathering around you as you knock 30p off a pack of mince

Those yellow stickers are coming out, and its like shoppers can smell them a mile off.

6. The mindless game you play trying to squeeze another box of dolly mix on the shelf so you can finally get it out of the cage

We all know those huge cages can get in the way, but getting the products off them is the real task.

7. My lunch isn’t a free Tesco meal deal, let me assure you

Going on lunch and finding yourself short of a few quid so you opt for that Tesco Everyday Value thick sliced bread that your managers generously left in the staff room.

8. That sigh you give when a customer pleads with you to knock some pennies off

The last box of 10 pack fish fingers has been opened – it’s probably just a damaged box but hey, I’ll knock 10 per cent off to avoid the drama.

9. The carrier bag charge is definitely not my fault

Rolling your eyes when a customer blames Tesco for the 5p plastic bag charge – I’m all for saving the planet, but don’t take it out on the messenger.

10. Clocking onto loyal customers’ routines

That’s right, Barbara. I see you doing the weekly shop at 7pm every Wednesday.

I saw you last week, and the week before that, and the week before that…

11. I hate the self service tills more than you

And impatiently waving your product in front of the scanner isn’t going to make my life any easier.

I hold the power to unlock these bad boys, and the red light flashing above you has already told me you need my help.