Is this classified as a non essential item in Wales

rob4001
Is this classified as a non essential item in Wales

I don't know about that, but in England, retailers of non-essential stuff can continue to operate click and collect. Wales may (or may not) offer that under their restrictions.

I must admit that the different regions having different rules is a PITA, but on the other hand, there's a logic to different nations, and even regions, cities and local areas, having rules dependent on their situation.

It's part of the pandemic problem is that no one solution suits all. Which means complexity, and probably confusion.

rob4001
Is this classified as a non essential item in Wales

Lets be honest here, it's non essential in ALL parts of the UK…. these companies are just using the ‘order online and collect’ loophole to get around not being able to sell it.

LSG501
Lets be honest here, it's non essential in ALL parts of the UK…. these companies are just using the ‘order online and collect’ loophole to get around not being able to sell it.

Well, define “essential”?

I heard on the radio yesterday about a bloke (in Wales, IIRC) who went to his local supermarket wearing nothing but his underwear. “Well,” he said, when challenged, “our government just told us clothes weren't essential”.

He has a point. And possibly frostbite in the unmentionables.

LSG501

rob4001
Is this classified as a non essential item in Wales

Lets be honest here, it's non essential in ALL parts of the UK…. these companies are just using the ‘order online and collect’ loophole to get around not being able to sell it.

But there is an element of fairness here. Someone who pre-ordered online will get one so why shouldn't someone who pre-ordered instore? Its utterly unessential but does that mean no one should get any enjoyment during lockdown? If this lockdown continues deep into December, it's a question that will come up for a lot more than just games consoles (Should my kids get no presents for example?). Personally, I'm jealous as I wanted a pre-order but completely missed out.

Saracen999
Well, define “essential”?

I heard on the radio yesterday about a bloke (in Wales, IIRC) who went to his local supermarket wearing nothing but his underwear. “Well,” he said, when challenged, “our government just told us clothes weren't essential”.

He has a point. And possibly frostbite in the unmentionables.

To be fair, I do find the fact clothes aren't ‘essential’ as a bit daft…. I can understand ‘fashion’ clothes but ‘day to day’ wear is kind of needed… mind you I also think we should be taxing the companies that get to stay open (like tesco's and the likes) a bit harder to pay for those that aren't able to stay open, it's not like they're getting record sales or anything during the pandemic because we can't shop anywhere else, oh wait….

At the end of the day clothes are kind of legally necessary last time I checked, a game console is not, so that would be how I'd define something as ‘essential’ outside of food etc.

cheesemp
But there is an element of fairness here. Someone who pre-ordered online will get one so why shouldn't someone who pre-ordered instore? Its utterly unessential but does that mean no one should get any enjoyment during lockdown? If this lockdown continues deep into December, it's a question that will come up for a lot more than just games consoles (Should my kids get no presents for example?). Personally, I'm jealous as I wanted a pre-order but completely missed out.

They could have offered up ‘free delivery’ to all those that pre-order(ed), most of the companies mentioned have online sales too, no need to open the store up and increase potential cross contamination from queues etc. What's the point in a lock down if you aren't actually ‘locked down’.

LSG501
They could have offered up ‘free delivery’ to all those that pre-order(ed), most of the companies mentioned have online sales too, no need to open the store up and increase potential cross contamination from queues etc. What's the point in a lock down if you aren't actually ‘locked down’.

My understanding for GAME is that the high street is a different part of the business to online which would have made the change over more complex. There is also the case of some people being unable to take deliveries (Not everyone is lucky enough to WFH). I'm sure some places will switch over to deliveries but it can't be the only solution. (When you consider Argos it sounds like they are offering Click and Collect for everything else anyway.)

Saracen999
Well, define “essential”?

Beer with just enough oxygen so you survive long enough to drink it all. ;)

Moving on to another popular high street and online games hardware seller that isn't a supermarket, Argos

Which is part of the Sainsbury's group. Some Argos stores will close and those staff will help out in the supermarkets, likely the Sainsbury's which have an Argos in-store. Not entirely sure how this works out for Wales with their restrictions on what is and isn't deemed essential by some nobody politician.

Corky34
Beer with just enough oxygen so you survive long enough to drink it all. ;)

Right. I'm coming round to your place for a …. game session. Sounds like a hoot.

It's nothing to do with ‘essential’ retail stores with Click and Collect are allowed to be open for customers to collect, just not go in and browse and buy. My other half works for a shop that has always had click and collect and they're open for this purpose because they're allowed to be.

There is no ‘loophole’, it's what has been stated in the restrictions.

probedb
….

There is no ‘loophole’, it's what has been stated in the restrictions.

It is indeed.

BUT bear in mind that, largely due to a leak, what we got was :-

- First, what the government said,
- Second, what the media reported and/or editorialised, and then
- Third, what the guidance and/or regs actually said.

And there was a delay before the third bit.

So yes, it's not a loophole. It's an exception, to the principle that all “non-essential” retail should close.

Arguably, there's even a :-

- Fourth, what the public heard, think they heard, and/or understand it to have been.

In large part, that's due to media (mainly TV) “editorialising”. And they love doing it, and by no means just on this. It goes back decades, at least.

In my opinion next gen consoles should be sold only by Microsoft and Sony.All stock in one place, easy to manage and easier to stop scalpers.