How do I make my supermarket more "British"?
Posted by Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 283 comments
I run a small supermarket in Southeast Asia and I planned to give my customers a "British feel" when they entered. Apart from selling British snacks and food, what else can I do? I cannot hang a Union Jack because my country won't allow it.
DisorderOfLeitbur@reddit
There should be one item where the price label has been replaced with a "Temporarily out of stock" sign, despite the shelf being fully stocked, so that the customer has no idea how much it will cost.
DependentRounders934@reddit
Put this boi outside
samfitnessthrowaway@reddit
It's 2026. Surely this guy is the answer.
whatswestofwesteros@reddit
Pathetic how much this still makes me jump if it pops up in my peripherals and they've been there forever. Few years and these bad boys will be AI or holograms, like in Superstore with the old lady.
_arch_tech@reddit
This reminded me of this little fella. You dont really see him anywhere these days.
amlamba@reddit
Isn't this man Italian?
_arch_tech@reddit
No. Hes a baker.
nxhwabvs@reddit
This, except Mr Blobby.
RaymondBeaumont@reddit
saw the topic. saved a pic. saw you beat me to it.
but, OP, imagine an animatronic Mr. Blooby that ~~attacks~~ hugs every customer?
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Looks like a naked woman with acnes all over her body.
Mr_Blott@reddit
You said you wanted a British feel, this is basically what Benidorm looks like
Bec21-21@reddit
Then you’ll look like a butcher’s shop
DependentRounders934@reddit
Shhh, they wont know that is southeast asia
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
In Southeast Asia, it just screams "Welcome to my Restaurant!" LOL!
Puzzleheaded-Lynx204@reddit
Get really confusing and put one of those animatronic cobblers in the window as well
Mr-Stripes@reddit
And a barber pole
atomic_mermaid@reddit
What in the emo is this.
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
Why do you want to make it look British?
You could Google some pictures of supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda. Nothing particularly exciting...
I think the Meal Deal section is probably the most British thing though
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
What is a Meal Deal?
GarfieldUK@reddit
It's a sandwich, a small snack, and a drink that when bought together costs a set price which is usually slightly less than if the items were bought separately
Brilliant-Figure-149@reddit
... but still WAY higher than if you just made the equivalent sandwich or whatever yourself at home.
SlightlyIncandescent@reddit
So paying for the convenience of having your food ready made costs money?
Jezbod@reddit
Co-op is about £1.50 cheaper, if you are also a member.
ExternalNational@reddit
So have a drink, snack and main meal for a cheaper combined price than individual items. Perfect if you get a lot of people during lunch breaks.
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meal_deal
You choose a main, snack and drink from a large selection and it costs a set amount cheaper than buying all the items separately.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Most British shops wouldn' have a union jack either. Offering a free tea sample in a little paper cup from a tea urn. If you want a slight parody of an old-fashioned British shop, Open All Hours is one.
Altruistic_Fruit2345@reddit
True, I wouldn't go in if they had a union jack. It was creepy when they had prince Phillip's mug up there too.
heroics-delta8s@reddit
Why would t you go into a shop that flew the British flag?
Auntie_Cagul@reddit
The only exception for me would be if the country was celebrating a national thing, for example an international sporting event or a Royal family anniversary and EVERYONE was flying the flag.
Other than that, I would be wary to enter.
heroics-delta8s@reddit
Wary, in the sense you will feel threatened?
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
You ever watched League of Gentlemen? A local shop for local people - that vibe. World Cups etc aside. I wouldn't feel threatened personally but it is not normal so you question why.
iamabigtree@reddit
You have to ask why is it there. As it isn't a customary thing to do.
heroics-delta8s@reddit
Maybe it’s a tourist area, maybe to distinguish it, maybe the owner feels particularly proud of his nation, maybe the owner is a recent migrant and is phenomenally grateful for the new life he has in what seems a land of opportunity (this attitude is not unusual for many first gen migrants). However flags can be political. If I see an alphabet flag I won’t do business there.
thefooleryoftom@reddit
Why?
heroics-delta8s@reddit
It just doesnt align with my values. I just walk on. Not a fan of people waving their politics. You might say that's hypocritical and a national flag is the same thing. But there you go. People can do what they want, and advertise what they want, they might find their alphabet stuff attracts more people than is puts off, and that maybe the case. But I just walk on by, plenty of alternatives. I do have a visceral repulsion at public bodies doing the same however because my tax is not optional.
thefooleryoftom@reddit
So it’s not what the flag stands for, it’s that there’s a flag in the first place?
heroics-delta8s@reddit
It's a combination of both, and the intrusion of the private to the public. In my public sphere I dont really want to see the private politics of others. Even though I'm a highly political person. I dont want to ban people expressing their private in public, thats up to them. It just means I walk on when people are doing it.
cheese_bruh@reddit
I mean, would you go to Oxford St considering they regularly fly the union flag all across the street?
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Hi. As an Asian may I know why it makes you feel creepy?
Jemima_puddledook678@reddit
Because those are incredibly abnormal things. Having a flag of our country or a picture of the husband of the monarch is pretty weird anywhere, especially in a shop. We know what country we’re in, and most of us aren’t really bothered by flags or the royal family. In the case of the Prince Phillip picture especially, it’s a picture of a decrepit old man that most of the country isn’t that bothered about being put in a shop for some reason.
spectator_mail_boy@reddit
Sounds like you're really bothered by it
Jemima_puddledook678@reddit
No it does not. Thinking it’s strange to put your country’s flag up in a shop is not being bothered by it.
spectator_mail_boy@reddit
Ah you just agree it's "creepy", wrote a big piece on how that's the case... but you're not bothered. Sure, I believe you.
Fit_ashtray252@reddit
Well thats just not true😆😆😆 tell that to the flag shaggers
Jemima_puddledook678@reddit
I don’t think the flag shaggers are the majority? Most people, definitely most people I’ve spoken to, seem to think they’re just weird racists?
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
When you put it like that, yes, it seems kinda odd to see my own country flag in the local stores here. It's like next level patriotism or something.
caiaphas8@reddit
Probably something to do with post-colonial society in your country. Flags help to maintain an identity, which may have been forced onto an area. So it helps with social cohesion
mori64tf2@reddit
A lot of Brits on reddit are oikophobes for some reason.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
No, we just don't need symbols to show we are a country. There is an insecurity if you need to wave flags about to show you belong. Either in the country that is trying to forge something brittle or in the individual who is worried about percieved change.
Milost_od_Anglija@reddit
I do not have any insecurity, but I enjoy having a Union Jack... and I do not see any problem with me enjoying having a symbol of our country
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
There isn't an issue - it is just not that great a symbol of national identity outside the armed forces, the proms and sporting events. You can be a patriot of your country without having to publicise it. Bit like religion.
Commander_Syphilis@reddit
You're right. Although the original guy was also right, Reddit is a bubble.
Let's face it if you went down the local pub and asked everyone to take a survey on voting intentions, attitudes to cyclists, and about a million other things, the results would be vastly different to polling casual UK the same.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I think all of us that actively use Reddit have to be self aware that what seems like the popular opinion on here is very rarely the popular opinion of the people outside this platform
Useful-Risk-4340@reddit
The Union Jack has never had a negative association in the rural West Country. It's always been used as a welcoming symbol for 'people' and nothing else. I wouldn't think twice seeing it in a shop. The UK is a big place and not everyone has the same experiences.
iaderia@reddit
Go for it. No one stops you from loving the flag! But most people think it’s a bit weird
Live-Motor-4000@reddit
Maybe a special on four candles/fork handles
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
My local corner shop is full of random stuff I am sure aren't technically meant for sale in the UK. Like brands of chocolates that are only sold in the caribbean and some of their soft drinks defy google. So a lot of staples and a few hidden mysteries among them. Usually a high counter for the shop-keeper to stand behind. Preferably wooden and with a slight raised bit to stand on so you look down. H&S training says this is a safety measure as it helps receptiontists and shop assistants command a situation,
Jetstream-Sam@reddit
Do they recommend following everyone round the shop? I can't imagine they do because it's really offputting but I have that happen every time I go in my town's equivalent of the shop you describe. They also have weird brands of odd things from various countries, as well as selling frozen things I haven't ever seen anyone even sell before like pork spine bones or goat legs
TNTiger_@reddit
Sorry man but I think they think you're the shoplifting type. I trust inaccurately but you've been stereotyped
Jetstream-Sam@reddit
I've spoken to others and it happens to everyone. Even my grandma seems to get stared at.
Frankly I don't really go because of it, there's less expensive shops around anyway and it's not even that convenient because it's in the middle of town
There's a guy who seems to have it as his entire job, there's a cashier and the other guy follows people round. I guess he could also do stock or something too but mainly the following thing
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Many of these places are family businesses - mine is ran by a guy and his grandfather is the one wandering about doing stock and being a presence. He doesn't follow specific people as far as I am aware.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
No but smaller shop and you get a nod of notice when you go in. We've been using for a decade so think they're happy we're not out to rob them. The freezer stuff we get from shop over the way - nice guys, they cut the tripe for us. We don't eat ourselves though makes good soup but the pets love.
I mean they are open 5am to 1am - they put their hours in and there are some shady customers plus the people sitting by the ATM outside begging. I'd be a bit leary if them. Local co-op shut down because of theft and Lidl seem to have recruited security from a bodybuilding club.
Significant_Map_363@reddit
Love that someone already suggested the iconic red telephone box—that alone would instantly set the mood without needing a flag. Pair it with a strict queuing system at the checkout and a suspiciously polite “sorry” for every small inconvenience, and you’ll have the place feeling properly British.
Fit_ashtray252@reddit
Put one of those police cut outs on ur window by the front door
stuaird1977@reddit
You could have a few people in sleeping bags outside
jennymayg13@reddit
You’re definitely going to have to become more fluent in sarcasm
Shoddy_Pilot_2737@reddit
For an authentic Asian supermarket in Britain you need several things.
Firstly, the bell on the door should be insanely loud. Like, I can hear it two doors down loud. However, there should be a member of staff behind the counter at all times.
Secondly, the floor should be both clean and dirty at the same time.
If there are two members of staff working they should constantly talk to each other while working only turning to customers to take payment. They are not too speak in English.
If there is one member of staff working they should be on the phone, on speaker, at all times. This too should be in any other language than English.
You should have additional services available (Post Office, Utilities Payment). You should be visible disgusted if anyone tries to use them.
Your stock should be one of three things. 1). A known brand, but overpriced 2). An unknown food, extra points if it is in a foreign language 3). Plastic tat designed to get children to bug their parents to buy it. Extra points if you never have children come in.
I'm sure there are other things as well but I think that's a good start 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hope this helps
Brilliant-Figure-149@reddit
You forgot having the front window plastered with a wide variety of signs advertising rather janky looking SIM card brands promising cheap calls to faraway places.
Shoddy_Pilot_2737@reddit
Nice, and adverts for the local circus/carnival.
These adverts should not be put up until after the event has taken place. 🤣
prickly_pink_penguin@reddit
Red, white and blue bunting. Photo of the King. Old fashioned British adverts
atomic_mermaid@reddit
I guess it depends on how big your shop is. Are we talking cornershop, Little Tesco or Big Tesco size? They all have slightly different vibes.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Little tesco
Sudden_Hovercraft_56@reddit
Get rid of all your tills and just put a few self service tills in. Then roll your eyes whenever someone asks for help. If they are buying security tagged or age restricted items, make sure you take as long as possible to go and authorise them.
stevee05282@reddit
The bakery
crispycat40@reddit
Clubcard deals? As in, a cheaper price if you use a loyalty card. Make the signage yellow.
A caterpillar chocolate log cake. Preferably named something starting with C.
Auntie_Cagul@reddit
But don't choose the name Colin.
TonyStowaway@reddit
Winston the wyrm! And make it look like Churchill 😅
Competitive_Test6697@reddit
Only allow 2 children in at a time during school hours.
Separate_Rise_8932@reddit
Never been (ir worked) in a supermarket that does this
Auntie_Cagul@reddit
The little ones not far from senior schools do this.
Competitive_Test6697@reddit
Maybe it was only one.
Bonus points for naming movie
Dramatic_Prior_9298@reddit
Bading, bading, bading, bading, bading....
SunJay333@reddit
100% Hot Fuzz
I have been in that shop, they have a framed photo of Sergeant Nicholas Angel and Police Constable Danny Butterman in a glass case near the front counter (or did back in 2023). I bought a (blue) cornetto there
No luck catching them killers then?
JustLetItAllBurn@reddit
Hot Fuzz, maybe?
Competitive_Test6697@reddit
I need commitment
SP4x@reddit
I'm going to say Hot Fuzz?
AnonymousTimewaster@reddit
Then you haven't been (or worked) in a supermarket near a school
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Our local shops had it but only applied to school children in uniform on own so you were allowed in with your Mum on way home even if another two children in shop. And they warned all the shops whenever we did electroplating coins in science.
Due_Dot5710@reddit
Why use many words when few words do trick?
EviWool@reddit
A small one which cant absorb the cost of light-fingered teens? Ive definitely had them where I lived
Separate_Rise_8932@reddit
Maybe. My local stores are all smaller ones (tesco, iceland, lidl, aldi, international stores) and don't have this rule though, so I guess it's city dependant or something?
Jetstream-Sam@reddit
Honestly it's more of a corner shop thing, I don't see many major supermarkets doing it, but most of the corner shops near me do it. I guess they go in them more? Seems weird though considering supermarkets are usually cheaper but I guess fiscal responsibility isn't really the strong suit of teenagers, based on my time as one
Separate_Rise_8932@reddit
Yeah could be. I have 3 local corner shops 5 minutes from me in all directions, 10 minute walk for even more and tbf i have no idea what their policy is, never noticed
Siggi_Starduust@reddit
Also school bags must be left at the door
tetlee@reddit
I'd look at how British supermarkets lay their stores out. They're pretty consistent in where you'll find things
Shahrukh_Faridi@reddit
Meal deals. Too much tea. An aggressive biscuit aisle. One trolley with a broken wheel. One checkout randomly closed. Staff who are polite but look like they’ve seen things.
Jazzlike-Compote4463@reddit
Maybe take a look at some small indepedent british supermarkets for inspiration? Rural places are more likely to get you things that feel more "British" than urban places (although its questionable as to if this is actually more authentic!),
Places like this are a goldmine for this kinda thing: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HsQ18vyNkLUDugZf8
badtpuchpanda@reddit
Get a charity collection tin in your shop for people to deposit small change to a good cause.
n0ctvrnl@reddit
It depends the size of your shop, where I live we have a lot of corner shops ran by local entrepreneurs we endearingly call “Boss man”. Their shops are quite crowded with convenience foods and you become quite friendly with the cashier, who is often the store owner, as they are usually a member of the local community.
If you are wanting to go for that size you need to search for images of boss man shops, if you wanted to go bigger search for Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Aldi. :)
https://thriftytowel.com/blogs/style/decoding-the-cultural-significance-of-bossman-in-corner-shop-culture?srsltid=AfmBOorHSIDfSdC3m9PMh_8nuAMP1KhWTaO3tIHTVXxrZ-SQ_oAYworn
TonyC1212@reddit
Make everything overpriced and have a really grumpy man who questions his life choices on security at the front door.
Margotkittie@reddit
One thing I love in my local mini Tesco and Coop is the self serve fresh baked goods. Where you have baked goods like doughnuts, croissants & individual bread rolls that you (the customer) select with tongs and bag up to pay for at the till. They're better quality than the pre-packed baked goods, but they come with a heavy price premium.
The tongs are attached to the shelf with a cord to stop people dropping them on the floor or walking off with them.
We love our baked goods in this country & most mid sized supermarkets and bigger will have an in-store bakery. Even if it's just to bake off frozen goods. They tend to be at the back of the store, but the smell of baking is purposely pushed to the entrance to entice people in.
We also tend to have a till/kiosk by the front door so people can go straight there with their impulse purchases, (gum, paper, cigarettes, meal deal, etc), which are all near the front. That convenience can ensure repeat custom from people who just want to pop in quickly.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Do they sell cream tea? I am planning to bake some to sell.
Captain_Piccolo@reddit
Make it a local supermarket for local people.
And be sure to tell those non-local people there’s nothing here for them.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Is that what happened in UK supermarket?
The_Blip@reddit
It's a reference to a popular British sketch. A joke, not a serious suggestion.
Reg_Vardy@reddit
Hire people to grab bottles of spirits and steaks, then run out of the shop without paying.
saludpesetasamor@reddit
This is brilliant. 😂 We have a ‘steak man’ in our locale who steals steaks to order. I don’t know how he even does it anymore because everyone knows who he is.
P-l-Staker@reddit
Step 1 - Walk in.
Step 2 - Grab steak.
Step 3 - Walk out.
Step 4 - Profit!
P-l-Staker@reddit
I volunteer to do it for free!
keyholes@reddit
In a similar vein, train seagulls (or your local variety of tricksy sea birds) to saunter in, steal packets of crisps, and scarper.
Several_Cold_7160@reddit
In my local tesco express it is baby formula as well
Aben_Zin@reddit
Or hire teenagers to hang around the trolleys for hours, for no explicable reason
Heavy-Locksmith-3767@reddit
Hire some people to hang around in their cars in the carpark at night.
Leading_Study_876@reddit
Bottles of spirits? In Brunei? Not nowadays, I think.
badgerandcheese@reddit
Setup roombas with trolly attachments to simulate aimless customers who have no spacial awareness
Have a heated bakery section with complementary flies crawling on them
Chocolate, candies, mints etc by the till
Have a random security guard stand by the entrance (or a cutout will do - they don’t do anything anyway)
Setup a playlist of music and throw in an odd public service announcement recording like “Janice to isle 3, someone has shit their pants”
Yellow discounted labels on expiring food items
Meal Deals: Sandwich/wrap, snack, drinks
Stand for doing the lottery (if available)
notice board
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Is that typical UK stores' practice?
Jemima_puddledook678@reddit
There was a lot of sarcasm in there. We have a lot of that in the UK. I’ll make it clear which ones are real:
shiksappeal@reddit
You've never seen a community notice board by the exit in a Tesco? Usually beside the charity thing you put the blue tokens into
SnooozeFezt@reddit
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Not Janice
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
spatial
Thr0wAwayU53rnam3@reddit
Get some hoodies to rob it on the daily
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Is UK really that bad now?
NicheRivers2000@reddit
Not British but maybe play British music
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Apart from music what air fragrance does UK stores smells like? Cinnamon? Baked bread?
Almosttasteful@reddit
Baked bread for the larger ones. The smaller corner shops tend to be a blend of cleaning product and mixed spice.
Plannet_Depressed@reddit
Bin juice
/s
Spottyjamie@reddit
Close on a sunday and be out of stock by 2pm ;-)
cuppoteaplease@reddit
Have an OPEN sign on a chain in the inside window of the door with a CLOSED on the reverse . Put a jingling door bell that rings when the door opens like this https://doorbellworld.com/collections/shop-doorbells-mechanical?srsltid=AfmBOoopMv7lbiX_Zzhstf2qbpjwepgTmfdUz7Ax6v2w05v1UZDejnk-
Original_Bad_3416@reddit
I wish doorbellworld would open a theme park like diggerland.
A gentle roller coaster activating various bells
Asheboy@reddit
I'd go there!
Namelessbob123@reddit
Have you tried being fucking miserable at all times?
Ok-Refrigerator4092@reddit
Make sure all your fruit and veg look pretty but taste of nothing
crunchymintybiscuit@reddit
Have these two guys playing at the entrance:
iamabigtree@reddit
Whether bi or straight or bender.
Unstableavo@reddit
Black bin bags on offer till September/ December/ November?
Logical_Positive_522@reddit
but would it matter if I'm bi or straight?
UserCannotBeVerified@reddit
Iys nearly 4 in the morning and instead of sleeping im now humming 🎶"come and get your black bin bags!"🎶
Allesund@reddit
whether bi or straight or bender
snarfalicious420@reddit
Or these two
iamabigtree@reddit
If you want that proper British corner shop feel make sure the entire place is dark and dirty. Don't ever dust your stock. Make sure your counter is high up and you are hidden by warning notices.
Leather_Stretch4701@reddit
HP Sauce and Yorkshire Tea. Gotta to be a winner every time !
sc_BK@reddit
Hey OP is this your shop?
sock_cooker@reddit
Or maybe
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Nope. I'm not that desperate to the point of copying a UK branded shop.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Hello no! Haha....
pineapplewin@reddit
Near me it's Morrisingh's.
Temo2212@reddit
In which country is Union Jack illegal?
tobotic@reddit
In England.
These days.
Commander_Syphilis@reddit
I imagine it will be a law against flying the flag of other nations, but in this case the location in Brunei, famously batshit (no offence OP)
Commander_Syphilis@reddit
I've got an actual suggestion for you though I don't know how workable it is.
Newsagent smell, that is the one thing that instantly brings the nostalgia for me, the smell of newspaper and ink in all the corner shops just brings me back to pick and mix with the pocket money and the local newsagents shop.
I have no idea how to recreate this smell other than selling newspapers if they're even popular in Brunei, but that's the first thing I think of.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
I could try to open some boxes of snacks. Maybe the boxes can recreate that smell.
RoohsMama@reddit
For the exterior: Give it a brick feel. You don’t need the brick wall itself, one can use thin plates to cover the wall that look like brick, and it doesn’t have to be the entire walls. Just from the floor to the window base.
You can hang posters that say stuff like Keep Calm and Carry On in the windows (I do believe it’s not trademarked); pictures of Big Ben, the London bus, the red telephone booth, etc. Use plain colour palettes: grey and red, to make them more striking.
In general the layout of British stores gives me a feeling of efficiency, with everything brightly lit. In an average large size grocery store, the front part has the customer service, displays of furniture, stands which sell papers, announcement boards, small cafe, garden products like plants and garden tools, seasonal offers (beach toys during summer, Christmas decor during Christmas, Easter eggs and bunnies for Easter, etc.) The overall decor would reflect the season as well.
In a small shop, convenience store type, the layout has fresh produce and flowers nearest the doorway. The fruits and veg are usually in tall shelves rather tables. Newspaper stands outside. Sweets and meal deals (refrigerated area containing sandwiches and drinks) to the forefront, dry goods a little further to the back and everything else in between. There is usually a coffee dispenser somewhere.
Even if you can’t hang the Union Jack you can lean towards a red, white and blue motif. Or try red and grey so it’s not super obvious. A lot of British adjacent things are red like Royal Mail, the post boxes, the phone booths, the London buses, etc.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Too late. I already newly painted it cream colours.
That's something practised locally too.
Yes, I did that.
Noted. I am guessing christmas, halloween and any western inspired celebrations.
Cool idea. Will try to source for florists or even my own potted plants.
Noted. I will also provide milk and sugar.
Yes, already did.
Red looks cool in the UK, but here red just means Happy Chinese New Year! Lol. Nothing british about it for the locals.
RoohsMama@reddit
To the last statement: that’s why you can combine with grey instead, with red as highlights
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Is grey colour very common in all UK supermarkets?
RoohsMama@reddit
It’s not. It depends on the supermarket. But weather here is grey most of the time 😆
Brilliant-Figure-149@reddit
Regarding the "seasonal" theme, no we don't have "thanksgiving" here. That's an American only thing.
RoohsMama@reddit
That’s true.
Reg_Vardy@reddit
Some black-and-white posters of UK landmarks and cultural icons ought to convey the correct general impression.
This kind of thing:
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Can I put coloured version?
Commander_Syphilis@reddit
They're joking, please don't actually do this and look like every shitty barber shop the world over
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Alright.
Reg_Vardy@reddit
An AI could probably generate a coloured version of that photo, yes :) Black and white is good for triggering nostalgia, "how things used to be", but a more modern theme with colour could work just as well.
PurplePeso@reddit
Or colour just for the call box and post box.
EviWool@reddit
Depends how retro you want to be 😊 You could have boiled sweets in glass jars that you sell by 2 ounces for packet and a tray of toffee that you break up with a little silver hammer.
tobotic@reddit
Meal deal. Virtually all British supermarket chains (and some non-supermarkets) offer a meal deal. This will typically consist of a pre-packaged sandwich, a snack (usually a packet of crisps or small chocolate bar), and a drink for a set price of around £4.
Some popular sandwiches you'll see are:
Probably also include a few extra sandwiches you think will be popular locally. Even if they seem very non-British varieties, that's fine, as most supermarkets will have a few sandwich options inspired by Asian food, Mexican food, Middle Eastern food, etc.
And a few non-sandwich main options like a tub of tomato pasta with a disposable fork.
For the snacks, any individual sized (about 25g) packets of Walkers crisps, Mars bars, Snickers, Dairy Milk, Bounty, etc. There will usually be a few healthy snack options too like a small pot of fruit salad, a whole apple, banana, or orange, etc.
For drinks, cans of Coke, Fanta, lemonade, Pepsi, etc. Small bottles of water, orange juice, apple juice, chocolate milk, whatever is popular locally.
I think if you can do something like that, you'd definitely be providing a very genuine British supermarket experience.
I don't think I've ever seen a supermarket with Union Jacks flying, so you've already got the authentic British experience covered there.
peterchekhov@reddit
I have been to SE Asia and the thing is modern supermarkets are pretty much the same everywhere.
As soon as I go into Tops or 7/11 recognise the layout and system.
Dual language would help though, on the outside and products inside, as well as English speaking staff.
A union jack flag would not help anyway, it may even put some British people off the shop.
Relevant_Swimming511@reddit
Sell Yorkshire tea, It needs to spread there (Ik you said apart from selling food and snacks, but its hot and can have pics of tea)
Could have some of those plastic food thingies of cakes on display
Out of curiosity, is it Vietnam? it sounds like something they would have with how nationalistic they are
If your for a london vibe tho defo need some knives laying around /s
platebandit@reddit
Live in Thailand. There’s quite a small cult following among some of the Thais on my island. I’ve spotted more than a few Yorkshire tea boxes in people houses out here and I only know one of them has been to England.
Even funnier is last year, I was going back to the UK for Christmas and one of my Thai mates gave me a temporary leaving present of some Yorkshire tea bags. Tried explaining to her that it would be like taking a kebab to turkey, or mama noodles to Thailand, but she didn’t understand
Altruistic_Fruit2345@reddit
Play some shitty pop music, force people to have your loyalty card or pay 2x as much for everything, and sell some random power tools that nobody knows what to do with.
Shoddy_Pilot_2737@reddit
Someone else has seen the chainsaws in Lidl 🤣 Awesome
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Brunei Darussalam.
ExoticMangoz@reddit
Out of interest, do you ever see British soldiers?
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Very rare
g00gleb00gle@reddit
Shoplifting.
Warburton379@reddit
Get a bouncer that awkwardly follows teenagers around the shop pretending he's not. Bonus points if he's a geriatric.
AnneKnightley@reddit
Maybe play some british songs on a radio/sound system?
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
I planned to play BBC channel 6.
Commander_Syphilis@reddit
Channel 4 is where it's at
Parma_Violence_@reddit
Put a cardboard copper in rhe window
HailToTheKingslayer@reddit
Apparently, statistics have shown that does lower the chances of shoplifting
Mr-Stripes@reddit
Trago Mills?
Parma_Violence_@reddit
And poundland
Jayatthemoment@reddit
Would that make money? We are pretty famous for having shit food, and our supermarkets are relatively grim compared to many countries.
AdStreet2795@reddit
Have a person outside begging whilst they’re also on an iPhone 16 taking a call.
I-eat-jam@reddit
Get a self service till with a scale that fails to register at least one item per shop and a grumpy old lady to guard the carrier bags.
Responsible-Ad-1086@reddit
Get some Toby jugs and make sure you stock Marmite
Useful-Risk-4340@reddit
I'm sorry you're receiving so many joke posts. What do shops in your country normally look like? What's the layout? That might make it easier to compare.
UK farm shops often mimic cosy, rustic kitchens. There may be a wooden table placed island with products on it. Or a Welsh dresser. Produce is often in wicker baskets. There might be bunting either in the window or near the entrance, especially in red, white and blue. Outside there may be flowers in tubs or in hanging baskets.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Apart of these, do you use any special air scent or fragrance? For example, if I smell pint scent, it reminded of Canada.
Useful-Risk-4340@reddit
Never noticed a fragrance in shops. Rose or Lavender scents are very English-coded. For actual flowers, GB symbols are roses (England), daffodil (Wales) and thistle (Scotland). A picture display or motif might be nice? There are ways to make things UK-coded without flags. Another would be tartan.
United-Mall5653@reddit
Pay people to walk around in their pijamas shouting at their kids
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
So casual huh?
andreibirsan92@reddit
one of these in your window
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
It definitely will grab attention but a bit embarrassing if I put it up.
Flonkerton_Scranton@reddit
Have someone come in regularly and steal stuff. Also make everyone feel like there is never a 0% chance of a stabbing. British as heck.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Is it that dangerous now in the UK? Luckily I did not migrate there.
Neither_Process_7847@reddit
An old fashioned British corner shop wouldn't have flags so that's fine. Pick and mix with classic British sweets, far more varieties of British crisps than necessary, and some old fashioned favourites like pork scratchings if available where you are would help give the nostalgic UK feel.
Eggtastico@reddit
put a display in your window of fork handles & four candles.
Electrical-Injury-23@reddit
Double the prices?
SparkleWildfire@reddit
Have a guy just as you walk in singing in the club style about black bin bags being on offer, and the multiple possibilities that can arise from a tin of corned beef.
https://youtu.be/TFX55Z28OSE?si=69gu_WRVqHLzHZIU
TAW90000@reddit
For a true British experience, have a couple of chaps in black puffer jackets and balaclava's rush in and steal baskets of food with impunity....
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Is that normal crime in the UK?
unclear_warfare@reddit
Put up a picture of the Queen
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
I hope you are kidding. I already have my own queen and king to put.
joereadsstuff@reddit
Don’t stack the items individually on the shelves, leave them in their boxes with only the perforated part opened.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
So this makes it more aesthetic?
Useful-Risk-4340@reddit
I'm sorry you're receiving so many joke posts. Are you wanting an authenic look by imitating a larger supermarket chains or a more traditional, independent or village shop feel?
burgermachine74@reddit
An entire isle dedicated to biscuits
AmosEgg@reddit
Add a clock tower to your shop. Bonus if the clock is stuck.
One_Complex6429@reddit
Have a
Zorofan84@reddit
Hire the Bossman to work the till.
FlatCapNorthumbrian@reddit
Have a cardboard cut out of a British police officer stating out of the window next to the entrance. That’ll give it more of a Home Bargains type of feel.
UnNormie@reddit
We aren't typically patriotic in the sense Americans can be seen. If there's specific events like coronations or whatever older generations will tend to come out the woodwork with their support, and companies will maybe put up some bunting here and there of the flags, but generally most people don't flaunt their britishness as we like to complain and grumble about things. Realistically, our supermarkets and corner shops are relatively dusty and bland. Nothing that makes us going in feel nostalgic if we hadn't been for a while. They aren't cute to replicate in an aesthetic way if following moderna, so I'd probably opt to lean into the old fashioned stereotypes. Think sweet shops with scales and jars filled with kgs of sweets to measure the amount you want in weight, with wood accents. I'd look up victorian shops for reference. A
Siggi_Starduust@reddit
Unfortunately Brunei’s laws would probably prevent this but no British independent supermarket is complete without the budget booze aisle with Carlsberg Special Brew, Kestrel, Ace Lager and at least one or two types of extra strong white cider (usually White Lightning).
Curious-Farm-9521@reddit
Singing fish on the wall! proper 90s feel
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Creepy.
Curious-Farm-9521@reddit
My local supermarket had one for the fishmonger section.
https://youtu.be/fkYZ4wTBd8g?si=63TJ3dqLb3Fr8Ey2
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Hey, that's kinda cute 🥰.
GroundbreakingRing42@reddit
Get 2-3 crackheads come in daily and ransack the alcohol and meat. Genuine British supermarket experience 😅
Honestly, outside of the big chains, the smaller shops are usually run by people from central Asian cultures. Pakistani, Indian, balngldeshi. it really would just be British/ notorious in Britain brands like nestle, heinz, hellmans,
DO NOT. I cannot emphasise this enough. DO NOT put up pictures of the royal family. Paddington, red buses and union jacks. This is not how every day British people associate with their culture in day-to-day life.
Maybe import some signage from the UK, there's a popular but not well-respected newspaper called "The Sun" and the pay for newspaper stands and shopfront signage so it's fairly common, and a national lottery stand. Look up chains like "Premier" and "Londis" and get a local sign maker to imitate their styling, seeing that would click with familiarity for a Brit as they're also ubiquitous on the high street.
Accurate_Engine_8089@reddit
The Sun posters or signage would put plenty of people off going in
Etheria_system@reddit
Never buy The Sun, and never advertise it either. Evil rag.
gpeccadillo@reddit
Do you have the concept of Pick and Mix in your country? It's where you sell a selection of loose sweets/candy in separate containers (like this), and the customer fills up a bag with various items of their choosing. The bag is priced by weight, so you weigh the bag at the till and the customer pays accordingly. Lots of UK shops used to have them, although it isn't as common nowadays.
Do you have access to Sky Sports News? Maybe you could show that on a screen inside or re-runs of old British TV shows, but that probably depends on the demographic of your customers.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
We have pic and mix but asian style lol!
gpeccadillo@reddit
Nice! That looks great to me, tbh.
xDzerx@reddit
Honestly a meal deal is quite popular over here nowadays and is the usual purchase for people of all ages (usually a sandwich, snack & drink).
Tea is another huge thing which many world-wide know to be a popular British beverage. Some stores actually have a small seating area where you can purchase and have lunch & various beverages. (Quite popular while shopping)
Some old-school stuff we had were large jars on shelves containing sweets. People could buy packets of sweets by weight (or price) which shopkeepers filled with sweets from these jars. (See beamish videos perhaps as inspiration)
Glittering_Win_5085@reddit
MEAL DEALS
5ubredhit@reddit
Have some shoppers fill bags with expensive items and walk out without paying. That’d make it feel a bit more like here. Don’t forget long queues as well.
Ricky_Martins_Vagina@reddit
Pay some local junkies to come and shoplift a couple of times a day, and pay a security guard to stand and watch and do fuck all about it 👌🏻
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Taking notes now.
metal_maxine@reddit
Some of these answers are terrifying and not good ideas at all.
All I can say is that we like spurious discounts like meal deals (a something, a something else and a something for slightly less than the total price) and three-for-the-price-of-two.
Be friendly. If they seem friendly, ask them where they're from or if they were looking for something BUT only once they are at the till and buying something. We don't like being approached by people however well-meaning (and sometimes the person being well-meaning - say, wanting to know if we need assistance - makes us more uncomfortable).
Don't agressively "theme" your shop. Keep any "British decor" to a few posters (have you been here? If you have and you bought back a souvenir or have some tourist photographs of yourself display them behind your till) and helpful signs saying things like "British sweets!"
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Same here.
FuzzyPalpitation-16@reddit
well if you’re from brunei, you can’t have alcohol in there therefore negates any semblance of britishness 😂
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
It's ok. It's for the locals.
e650man@reddit
Get a life size cardboard stand (or poster) of James Bond ?
and/or Mr Bean. :)
sc_BK@reddit
Or a policeman?
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Our locals will think it is a fire-fighter.
Traditional-Man77691@reddit
Sell homemade curry with pilau rice, nan bread, poppadom's.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Looks like the asian cultures are really penetrating the UK markets huh?
SomeWankyUsername@reddit
Make everything 3x the price you imagine it should cost.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Noted.
smileyhappy@reddit
OMG are you in Singapore? If you are, where are you? :)
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Nope. I'm not in Singapore.
sock_cooker@reddit
Have people walking round in pyjamas or dry robes
SnooozeFezt@reddit
Low level 80s/90s hits playing on the radio over and over again (use Smooth Radio online).
Make everyone wear a uniform that is green or blue and a tabard.
Make sure it's always fairly cold inside.
Keep to a colour scheme.
Always have two staff in the corner, chatting and not doing any actual work.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
Should I use red and blue to represent Union Jack colours?
SnooozeFezt@reddit
You could absolutely do that yes!
nico735@reddit
You could always jack the prices up double?
DevelopmentLow214@reddit
Promote the sale of black bin bags by getting a staff member to sing their praises, karaoke-style in store.
_methuselah_@reddit
Set up fruit/veg shelves outside. Make sure most of your stock is past its sell-by date. Have a tray of stuff on the counter that’s the oldest stuff in the place - slap bright red ‘reduced by 50%” on them. Have one of those cash registers with buttons like an old fashioned typewriter. Open at 6am and close at 3am.
probablyaythrowaway@reddit
Cardboard cutout of an actor dressed in a crap policeman outfit stuck on the front window
ltcmdrjo@reddit
They don't do it for safety reasons these days but a common supermarket trope was a display of baked bean tins stacked in the shape of a pyramid.
SnooDonuts6494@reddit
Pictures of the King, and other famous characters - Queen Liz II, Churchill, etc.
Play "British" music, such as The Beatles, Spice Girls, Oasis.
Get a cardboard cut-out policeman - those are quite common in UK supermarkets to deter theft.
T0mmyVerceti@reddit
Get shoplifted everyday
DrFabulous0@reddit
Get rid of most of the staff and replace them with self service checkouts, then have a single staff member ignoring all of them.
BorderCollieDog@reddit
Fill it with shoplifters and have the kids queue up outside at lunchtime and let them two at a time.
IranianAlan@reddit
Hang a Yorkshire flag
Jezbod@reddit
As long as it is the correct way up...Yorkshire Flag | Free official image and info | UK Flag Registry
Aggressive_Library49@reddit
Hire a security guard and get them to follow the non Brits around the shop.
doepfersdungeon@reddit
Dress up as Tamil guy and have a shelf of lads mags near the ceiling.
Jolly_Floor_1233@reddit (OP)
90% of our local shops are already Tamil.
Tupac_Chigurh@reddit
Fire all your checkout workers and replace with self service checkouts.
Quadruple your prices
MercuryJellyfish@reddit
Have a security guard follow every non-white customer around
sudoku602@reddit
Maybe this is obvious but signage using British English. Biscuits, Crisps, Sweets/Confectionery etc
rohithimself@reddit
Hp sauce and mustard somewhere in the front.
Vast_Association_912@reddit
Focus on vibe... music, signage, tea/biscuit section, and ‘corner shop’ feel
tykeoldboy@reddit
Call it Arkwright's
Dissidant@reddit
Sign with someone walking a dog which reads, "I love doggers" 😀
kishmishari@reddit
Create a Meal Deal section. Make sure the supermarket smells of freshly baked bread. Use muted colours for the aisle signs, preferably green. Maybe have some chalkboard signs around the fruit and veg area.
ALA02@reddit
Have an unshaven bloke in a grey hoodie selling ket round the back
ShadowBannedSkyRu1e@reddit
Apologise to them on the way in and make sure they stand to the right and pass of the left of every aisle
Separate_Rise_8932@reddit
Depends which supermarket you want to replicate
budgiebirdman@reddit
Get an Indian to run it.
Shot_Net3794@reddit
Make everything overpriced
PepsiMaxSumo@reddit
You can’t shop in the UK, food here is some of the cheapest in the world compared to income.
Grenache@reddit
It always makes me laugh when people complain about food prices in the UK. Our food is crazy cheap.
PepsiMaxSumo@reddit
Was in Peru a few weeks ago, their average salary is 20% of ours at around £500 a month.
I always like to try and go to a supermarket when abroad to see how much the food costs and it was only about 30-40% cheaper than the UK.
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
Reddit opened my eyes to this -
alacklustrehindu@reddit
Let them shoplift and waltz off the shop scot-free
sc_BK@reddit
Get an angry looking dog and tie it up very loosely right outside the door, so anyone entering thinks they'll get their arm ripped off.
MainGeneral4813@reddit
Play "ASDA Radio" to really confuse people
sc_BK@reddit
Put security tags on the energy drinks and alcohol, but no on the fruit and veg.
Laescha@reddit
Have a load of branded end displays that exclusively sell one product that literally nobody wants
Truewit_@reddit
Hard to say without more details about the current layout of the shop.
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