Standing up for the elderly

Staff and residents from a retirement complex in Newark thanked a supermarket that is offering support for older shoppers.

Sainsbury’s on London Road, Balderton, is one of 600 stores nationwide to have joined a campaign calling for retailers to maintain seating in-store for people who need to rest while shoppping.

The campaign, Standing Up 4 Sitting Down (su4sd) is being run by Anchor — a not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people.

Sue Pratt, manager of Anchor’s Bower Court in Newark, said: “It is great that Sainsbury’s branches, including the one in Balderton, will support the campaign.

“Older people are often cut off from the online world, so it is crucial we enable them to connect in other ways.

“For shops, providing seating is a great opportunity to boost footfall and spending.”

The Balderton store will be displaying su4sd stickers and encouraging shoppers to use seating by its tills.

Clare Muscutt, head of customer experience at Sainsbury’s, said: “We provide chairs at the back of our checkouts for anyone that would find them useful, as well as offering assistance at all times to customers who may need additional help shopping.”