Sainsbury’s customers have been left outraged after poppy sellers were allegedly forced to move from the store’s entrance.
Royal British Legion collectors at the Chiswick superstore were ousted from their spot of 10 years, it is claimed.
The charity’s usual takings of up to £9,000 fell by 75 per cent after volunteers were reportedly relegated to the Essex Place branch’s rear car park entrance.
A picture from the store shows a ‘Photo Me’ machine in the same place the sellers’ stall has been set up in previous years.
A ‘Photo Me’ machine at the Sainsbury’s superstore in Chiswick in the same spot the poppy sellers usually set up their stall
Poppy Appeal collection volunteers at the entrance last year with MP Rupa Huq (second from right). They have now allegedly been relegated to the store’s rear car park entrance
Founded in 1921, the Poppy Appeal raises funds for World War One servicemen and women and their families.
Sainsbury’s have denied the sellers were ordered to move to the back of the store and said this was offered as a temporary solution while refurbishment took place.
But customer Stuart Kerr was furious when he saw the sellers were not in their usual spot when he visited the store on Thursday.
He wrote on an online forum: ‘Instead of the smiling Poppy Selling team doing a roaring trade inside the main entrance I was greeted by an inanimate ugly, grossly inappropriate s***screamingly nasty, p***-ugly photo booth.’
Jim Adams, organiser of the local Poppy Appeal and chairman of Chiswick Royal British Legion, claims the volunteers were ousted on October 31.
Mr Adams told ChiswickW4.com: ‘This is particularly disappointing in what is supposed to be a pretty special year for the appeal with the centenary of the Armistice.
‘We now face a year in which takings will be massively down. I have gained the impression that Sainsbury’s just don’t want us on the site.’
Sainsbury’s superstore in Chiswick, where poppy sellers have been setting up their stall for the last 10 years
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: ‘We’re proud to continue our support for The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal this year and we’ve welcomed volunteers into our Chiswick superstore for many years.
‘The store is currently being refurbished and has more limited space at the volunteers’ usual entrance.
‘We have explained they can continue to collect in this area but if they would be more comfortable sitting down they can use the alternative space we have provided.’