ANIMALS
Shoppers Refuse to Go to Yorkshire Tesco Until Cat Ban Rule Is Lifted, According to Customers
Imagine heading to Tesco for your shopping and being greeted at the door by a cute cat named Lincoln, making your trip feel like a joyful experience. That was the scene for the past three years until Tesco in Hornsea recently decided to ban Lincoln, causing upset in the community.
Lincoln, a ginger cat, used to visit the neighbors, but when they got two cats during lockdown, he switched to hanging out at Tesco. Over time, Lincoln became a local celebrity, relaxing in Tesco’s entrance and bringing smiles to stressed-out shoppers.
Both staff and customers adored him, making him everyone’s favorite furry friend. Encouraged by customers, his owners, Lorraine and Kris Clarke, even created a Facebook group for people to share their encounters with Lincoln. Surprisingly, not long after the group appeared on social media, this little orange cat quickly gained up to 2.6K fans.
Regrettably, Tesco eventually asked Lincoln to leave, citing health and safety concerns. While it’s understandable not to want cat hair near food, the thing is, Lincoln doesn’t go inside the store. He usually hangs out on the bags of compost in the entrance, greeting customers and being his charming self.
Naturally, a lot of shoppers weren’t happy about it. Frustrated, they promised to stop shopping at Tesco if Lincoln wasn’t allowed back, emphasizing how he brightened their day and added joy to their shopping experience.
“This will be my last visit to Tesco if Lincoln isn’t reinstated.” Customers strongly came together to show their support for the adorable ginger cat. “They won’t be getting another penny out of me. He just brightens your day when you see him. He’s just so lovely, so affectionate.”
However, Tesco is sticking to the ban, and the community is split. Almost all shoppers value the positive impact Lincoln has on their mood and stress levels, and they’re not willing to see him go. It’s a typical small-town debate: should friendly animals be allowed in the shopping experience, or is it better to keep things quiet? Only time will tell if Tesco rethinks its decision or if shoppers decide to shop elsewhere.
Having cats in stores is not a new concept. Cats have been assisting business owners for years, drawing in customers who come specifically to see the cat. I wonder how many people visited Tesco in Hornsea just to catch a glimpse of Lincoln.
What do you think about this? Would you like shopping with a furry friend like Lincoln, or do you prefer a quiet, cat-free experience?