The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which brings together thousands of retailers, has compiled the actions some of its major members have taken to support their customers in times of rising energy prices and the cost of living. In Germany, too, these companies support their customers with campaigns and initiatives.
Aldi
In view of the around 1.6 million people who depend on food banks in Germany alone, Aldi Nord supported them with shopping vouchers worth 200,000 euros. Almost all Aldi Süd branches regularly donate boxes of fruit, vegetables, bread or cereals to local food banks, Caritas or other charitable organizations. Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd also increased the minimum wage from 12.50 euros to 14 euros per hour from June 2022 in response to the latest price increases, or at least 11 pounds (around 12.50 euros) since October 2022 in Great Britain.
There, the grocer, in partnership with the Neighborly platform, donated 700,000 meals to charities, food banks and community groups during the summer holidays. In addition, 80,000 items from the Mamia baby range were donated to charities and food banks that support young parents and low-income caregivers.
Amazon
Online retailer Amazon offers weekly price reductions for various groceries such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.
decathlon
The sporting goods retailer Decathlon has been testing a buy-back service in Germany since the beginning of November, through which customers can return their used sports products to Decathlon and receive a voucher or a cash payment in return. The company then prepares them accordingly and sells them second-hand. It also launched a rental service to make large purchases cheaper. For example, customers can rent paddle boards, kayaks and e-bikes from around 20 euros per day.
John Lewis
UK retailer John Lewis has extended its exchange and return policy to help customers spread the cost of the holiday season. Shop them now and exchange or return unwanted gifts until January 28, 2023.
As part of the John Lewis Partnership, the retailer is also offering financial support in the form of a one-time living allowance of £500 (almost €570) and a relief fund to support workers. There are also free meals for employees and seasonal workers. Food donations also go: to the FareShare aid network. Home Start matches volunteers to teach families basic cooking skills to help them cook more affordable meals.
Lidl
Like competitor Aldi, food discounter Lidl also donates to the Tafel and increased the minimum wage in June 2022 from 12.50 euros to 14 euros per hour. From April 2023, together with the non-profit association Restlos Glück, he will also start the educational project Dich Rett’ich, a primary school workshop for more food appreciation, initially in Berlin and from November 2023 in Baden-Württemberg.
In the UK, Lidl, along with competitor Aldi, has partnered with Neighborly and put up “Good to Give” signage on shelf edges to encourage shoppers to donate more to food banks. The prices of Christmas foods like turkey have also been reduced.
Marks & Spencer
The British retail group supports customers by lowering the prices of staple foods such as bananas, milk, bread and ground beef. He also introduced the “Bigger Pack Better Value” line for all essential groceries. During the school holidays, children can eat a £3.95 meal for free when they spend £5 or more. The prices for school uniforms also remained the same throughout the summer and early bookers received a 20 percent discount. The company has also partnered with Neighborly and donated £1million to 1,000 local community groups as part of the Gifts That Give campaign.
primark
The Irish textile discounter is maintaining prices on essential children’s clothing and bestsellers to help customers prepare for the new school year.