New store in town

Hi readers, Emily and Kerry here, with me, Kerry, talking this week about the new Marks and Spencer store in Weymouth. I went just after it opened with my support worker as I wanted a new dress to take to London.

It was busy, but expect that’s because it’s brand new and everyone wants to have a look. The building is huge, but with so many people there that day, the clothing aisles did not feel very spacious from my wheelchair. There wasn’t much room to move around, so looking for a dress was harder than I’d hoped.

The food section was easier and a great choice of sandwiches and tempting food.

When we got to the tills, they were quite a problem as most were self-service - only two or three run by staff. Self-service can be difficult for me, and for some older people too.  But even at the staffed till, the card reader is fixed to its stand, so it’s hard for me to reach it.  This can stop me being independent, as shopping without support means I’d need to tell the shop assistants my pin number, which isn’t ideal.  

To be fair, new big shops probably need time to settle in, and feedback from disabled customers like me can help them get things right. It is something I will take back to Marks and Spencer, because I hope they want to know what using the store is really like for some disabled customers.

Other positives included the disabled parking spaces, which have plenty of room; the store was very clean; and staff were friendly, helpful and seemed to be managing with this very busy opening.

I’m really glad Weymouth has a new M&S and we have more choice. What do you think, readers?

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff