Sheffield convenience store sends plea to shoppers amid coronavirus stockpiling

With essentials like toilet roll and pasta proving hard to find at the big retailers, many shoppers are turning to smaller convenience stores which they might not previously have used for their essentials.

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One such store in Sheffield has assured people it is doing all it can to keep them supplied, despite the ‘huge personal risks’ that involves, but asked them to remember who was there for them once the crisis is over.

Bakul Popat runs Pops Supermarkets on Sheldon Road in Nether Edge, which has been serving the neighbourhood for more than 35 years.

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He said: “We will continue to support you – our community – for as long as possible in these very difficult, challenging and adverse times and we will try to source supplies for you as far as possible even though we face huge personal risks to ourselves especially as we come into contact with a lot of people – customers and suppliers alike.

“But in return please remember us after this crisis – remember who was there for the community and remember that we sell more than a bunch of coriander.”

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His message came as police in South Yorkshire told how neighbourhood officers have been visiting local convenience stores to help protect staff there as tensions occasionally run high.

Officers from Penistone neighbourhood policing team in Barnsley said: “May we ask you to be polite and respectful as the staff are trying their best in these challenging times.”