Morrisons has rolled out a lovely initiative called "Talking Tills" at stores across the country, giving shoppers the chance to enjoy a more relaxed checkout experience with a friendly chat.
The scheme launched yesterday and runs through Sunday, designed to help tackle loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many.
It's a thoughtful concept – instead of rushing through the tills, customers can take their time and have a proper conversation with Morrisons' colleagues.
The supermarket hopes this will allow shoppers to "enjoy a light-hearted or meaningful conversation" they might not otherwise have.
These moments of interaction are invaluable. For those experiencing isolation, popping to the supermarket can be one of the few chances they get to speak to someone face-to-face.
Staff are on hand specifically to provide this slower-paced, chatty shopping experience for anyone who fancies a natter.
The retailer hopes these everyday moments at the checkout can become "more supportive, sociable, and reassuring" for customers who welcome a friendly chat.
Shoppers should make the most out of Talking Tills this weekend
|MORRISONS
It's all part of the 1 Million Minutes campaign, which encourages people to donate their time rather than money to help combat loneliness.
The campaign, launched by Good Morning Britain, has been running for a decade now and has seen over 672 million minutes pledged by volunteers connecting with those experiencing isolation.
Corporate affairs director at Morrisons, David Scott, said: "At Morrisons, supporting the communities we serve is at the heart of what we do.
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'The Talking Tills campaign is designed to create space for those meaningful moments'
| GETTY"We know that for many people, especially at this time of year, a simple conversation can make a real difference.
"The Talking Tills campaign is designed to create space for those meaningful moments, offering customers the chance to slow down and chat if they'd like to."
Beyond Talking Tills, the supermarket has launched a range of Christmas initiatives aimed at helping those facing solitude.
The Morrisons Foundation is donating £50,000 to the Royal Voluntary Service, which will fund 100 festive spreads for people who might otherwise spend the season alone.
The retailer has also teamed up with Age UK to provide 400 free Christmas meals in Morrisons cafés across the country.
In the spirit of giving, Morrisons recently promised free gifts and fun for the whole family in its new Christmas campaign.
The supermarket is bringing "the wonder of Disney" to shoppers with an exclusive trading card scheme plus a range of festive collectables.
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