Shopping delivery drivers are to wear special badges that say ‘happy to chat about the game’ this summer.
Ahead of what is set to be a busy summer of sport, with events such as Wimbledon, the Olympics, and of course, UEFA Euro 2024 – which has already kicked off, and is now well underway – in the calendar, one of the UK’s leading supermarket retailers has decided to relaunch its popular ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative over the next couple of months.
This means that Asda delivery drivers will be given the option to add a new element to their uniform, a badge with the words ‘Happy to Chat about the game’, so they can let customers know they’re up for having a quick chat with them about all the sporting action whilst their shopping is being delivered.
And it’s all in a bid to help tackle loneliness.
Shopping delivery drivers will wear ‘happy to chat about the game’ badges to help tackle loneliness / Credit: Asda
If you’re unfamiliar with Asda’s ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative, it was first launched as a trial back in November 2020, before being made a permanent fixture after it was recognised that delivery drivers formed a lifeline for some people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – with almost a quarter (23%) of customers admitting they were only interacting with people once a week, many of whom were delivery drivers.
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But now, the supermarket has relaunched the scheme as part of a wider campaign aiming to unite people all ages this summer, especially those who love sport.
It comes after Asda already grabbed headlines last week with the launch of its dedicated ‘Nanzones’ – including one here in Manchester, at the Eastlands store – at more than 100 stores across the UK, which are designed especially for residents over the age of 65 to gather and watch the Euros together in a safe and supportive environment, instead of being at home on their own.
The retailer says its sport-themed twist on the ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative is all about “encouraging conversation and interaction” amongst its older customer base.
“This summer, we want to ensure we are keeping the conversations going with our older customers, especially as one of our drivers maybe the only person they interact with that day,” explained Asda’s Chief Customer Officer, David Hills, as the initiative relaunched this week.
“This badge is a symbol of our colleagues continued friendly and approachable service, which can make such a difference to those that don’t have much contact with others.
“We want to make sure that, whether it’s in our stores, at the doorstep, or in the community, we’re here for customers this summer.”
Featured Image – Asda
Shopping
McDonald’s is launching shareboxes of mini hash browns in the UK next month
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s is launching loads of new limited-edition items to its UK menu next month, but all eyes are on one thing.
One thing. Three words… mini hash browns.
Hash browns are an integral part of British cuisine at this point, right? Those little crispy potato creations prove time and time again to be an ideal snack for anyone who finds themselves a bit reliant on fried food to get through a hangover from hell, or merely just to wake up on a lazy Sunday morning.
McDonald’s is already pretty well-loved for its hash browns, but the fast food chain is set to take that love up a notch as it’s set to add mini bitesize versions to the menu next month.
McDonald’s is adding loads of new items to its menu for autumn next month / Credit: Geograph
With autumn now officially here, McDonald’s is updating its UK menu for the new season, with the McRib, McCrispy Deluxe, and the return of the Double Big Mac all sounding set to be fan favourites, as well as seasonal sweet treats like the Toffee Apple Pie, the M&M Halloween McFlurry, and Toasted Marshmallow Lattes.
Foodie fans on social media also seem to like the sounds of the new Smokey Caramelised Onion Bites too, which look like little onion rings.
But nothing quite beats the anticipation for the new Mini Hash Browns.
The star of the new autumn menu has to be the mini hash browns / Credit: McDonald’s
Set to be available in individual portions of five for £1.49, or Shareboxes of 15 for £2.99 if you’re feeling a little more peckish, the Mini Hash Browns are the same golden crunchy and fluffy potato goodness that Maccies is known for, but in a new and fun style.
McDonald’s is hoping this tiny take on the classic hash brown will be the perfect treat to “brighten your morning”, whether you’re on-the-go, or enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
Mini Hash Browns will be available exclusively during breakfast hours (6am-11am) for a limited time only from Wednesday 16 October.
Featured Image – McDonald’s
Shopping
Co-op has launched a 24-hour grocery delivery service in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Co-op has just launched a new grocery delivery service in Manchester city centre that’s running 24-hours a day.
In a bid to “respond to growing demand” for quick and easily-accessible groceries from consumers, such as shift workers, parents of young families, and late-night revellers in particular, the supermarket retailer has decided to begin offering 24-hour grocery delivery services in three major city centres – London, Leeds, and of course, Manchester.
It comes after new research from Co-op apparently shows that more than 40% of online shoppers would use an 11pm to 5am delivery service if it was available.
This figure then rises to around almost one in two consumers who are aged between 18-44, with the service believed to be most popular for Gen Z shoppers aged 18-24 (52.3%) out of everyone.
Co-op has launched a 24-hour grocery delivery service in Manchester city centre / Credit: Co-op (via Flickr)
he new research also revealed than an estimated six million UK adults believe the main reason they would use the extended 24-hour service if it was available to them would be due to their work pattern or their shifts.
Co-op says it’s launching the new service this month in places where there is strong online grocery demand at “non-traditional times”.
Stores have been selected based on the local demographic, a concentration of delivery driver availability, and where the premises is already staffed around the clock for replenishment purposes.
Groceries will be delivered through Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo / Credit: Co-op (via Flickr)
Groceries will be delivered through Co-op’s e-commerce partners Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo.
”Meeting the needs of our customers is at the heart of our approach,” explained Chris Conway, who is Co-op’s E-Commerce Director, as the new 24-hour service was announced.
“We focus on ease, speed, and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities, and as societal behaviours including changing lifestyles and shift working are increasing, so is the requirement for online groceries to be delivered quickly and conveniently at non-traditional times of the day.”
Emily Sergeant -
19th June 2024 
