U.K. Supermarket Bans Shoppers in Pajamas

A U.K. supermarket chain has taken the unusual step of asking customers not to shop in their pajamas or barefoot.
U.K. Supermarket Bans Shoppers in Pajamas
1/28/2010
Updated:
2/1/2010

LONDON—A supermarket chain in the U.K. has taken the unusual step of asking customers not to shop in their pajamas or barefoot.

Managers at a Tesco store in St. Mellons, Cardiff have taken the initiative against a trend which they say could cause offense.


A notice outside the supermarket reads: “Footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted.”

A spokesman for Tesco said that there were no plans to further regulate the attire of their customers.

“We’re not a nightclub with a strict dress code, and jeans and trainers are of course more than welcome,” the spokesman said in a statement.

“We do, however, request that customers do not shop in their PJs or nightgowns.

“This is to avoid causing offense or embarrassment to others.”

Elaine Carmody, 24, a full-time mother of two young boys, told the Telegraph newspaper that she had regularly gone into the supermarket in her pajamas until a week ago, when she was turned away.

She said that she had only been “popping in for a pack of fags” [cigarettes] and if she was going to do a full shop, she would have been fully dressed.

“He said it offends people,” she said. “But I’ve never seen anyone offended,” she said.

“I just don’t understand it. I go in other shops in my pajamas and they don’t say anything.

“You used to always be allowed in Tesco. But not now—it is ridiculous and stupid.

“I’ve got lovely pairs of pajamas, with bears and penguins on them. I’ve worn my best ones today, just so I look tidy.”