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
Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
The official grand opening of Søstrene Grene at Manchester Arndale will take place on Thursday 26 March at the (very specific) time of 9:59am.
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
JD and Nike are hiding free pairs of Air Max shoes in InPost lockers at the Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
JD are celebrating the return of the Nike Air Max 95 ‘OG Neon’ with a major giveaway, hiding pairs of the limited trainers inside InPost lockers at the Trafford Centre.
There’ll be a chance for Mancs to unlock exclusive prizes, including those iconic shoes, plus Air Max 95 jackets, pants, and t-shirts.
JD started teasing the drop of the Neons last week, with a video of a stock room filled with Air Max boxes and a crew packing.
Then details started dropping too, with Liverpool grime star Kasst 8 revealing himself as the sender.
In the campaign, the unapologetically Northern artist appears stationed on JD x Nike Air Max branded lockers, firing off texts reading ‘I’ll be there soon’, ‘SHIPPED OUT’, and ‘Check your InPost’.
And now JD has revealed its major competition with Nike, giving you the chance to bag a pair of Air Max 95 OG Neons.
Special Air Max branded InPost lockers will be stationed in-store at JD at the Trafford Centre (and at Liverpool One), each one stuffed with Air Max shoes and apparel.
To be in with a chance of unlocking a locker, you just need to submit your details HERE.
Then select winners will be chosen from a random draw and sent a unique code, which you can take to your chosen locker and reveal what you’ve won.
The Air Max 95 OG Neons are an iconic shoe designed by Sergio Lozano, with a human anatomy-inspired design that includes ribcage laces and vibrant neon accents against grey gradients.
JD have been teasing the launch of this campaign, with the Air Max 90 and 95 Neons dropping in-store and online on Thursday 5 March.
If you missed last year’s Air Max OG Neon drop, JD’s throwing you a lifeline.
Enter before 9am on Tuesday 3 March HERE for your chance to unlock – winners will be picked at random and contacted this week to collect at JD Manchester Trafford Centre.
Emily Sergeant -
19th June 2024 
