Decimalisation

In February 1971 the Partnership faced one of its sternest challenges when decimalisation of the British currency took place. However, plans to ensure the business coped had been introduced in April 1968 when the Decimalisation Committee, headed by A P McAnally, began its work. Initially the florin was replaced by the 10p piece and a shilling was replaced by a 5p coin. However, as the time for the changeover approached, Mr McAnally was under no illusion that this would be a critical piece of work. 

“The crisis through which we shall pass next February can be compared with the spacecraft’s re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. Hazards and difficulties there may be, but they will be overcome by keeping cool and ensuring that possible or probable occurrences are ‘simulated’ in advance. That was what was done in the case of Apollo 13, and that is what we should do”.

All Partners received comprehensive decimalisation training and on 15th February 1971, every assistance was made to help customers across the business. At Bonds in Norwich the local newspaper commented that “to aid customers in decimal distress Bonds will have a team of six “Decimal Dollies” patrolling the store, helping to sort out problems”. Other branches were equally well prepared and Waitrose Partners were also pleased that customers, in the main, coped well with the new system and from that day onwards decimalisation was here to stay.

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.