Retailers On The Frontline: Meet Marc

Retailers on the Frontline: Meet Marc

Here at Payzone, we’re very proud of our retailers, as many have gone above and beyond to help their customers. That’s why we’ve launched our brand new Retailers on the Frontline Awards, as voted for by customers.

Our customers have been busy giving us some great feedback through the survey at the bottom of their bill payments receipts. So we’ve been visiting the nominated retailers to say thank you in person, and present them with a gift voucher as a small token of our appreciation. 

We also thought it was a great opportunity to share some of the fantastic work that Payzone retailers have been doing within their communities.

Meet Marc Muralitha

In the seaside town of Ramsgate in the district of Thanet, is Allenby Late Shop. Thiraviyanathan, (better known as Marc within his community) has owned the shop since 2011 and has always provided a reliable and friendly service.

So, what has Marc been doing since the outbreak of coronavirus?

The 39-year-old father of two was more than prepared for coronavirus, even before lockdown measures were introduced, as his family live in France. By paying particular attention to what was unfolding in France, Marc began stocking essential items in advance, knowing that they were likely to be in high demand.

Knowing what was to come, Marc implemented strict hygiene measures very early on, providing his staff with mask, gloves and even goggles. He worked hard to put his customers at ease too, explaining to them why it was necessary to stop the spread of the virus and keep everyone safe.

He was also careful to discourage panic buying, placing a limit on essential items to make sure that everyone in his community had what they needed in the proportions they needed them. Items include milk, bread, toilet rolls and pasta and other groceries to one per customer per day and also with certain medicines such as Calpol.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marc has been checking in with his vulnerable and elderly customers on a regular basis, delivering to those who cannot get to him.

“I think my local customers are extremely happy and thankful that we are open daily.” Commented Marc. “We work hard to try and provide all the essentials item, especially food items. Our home deliveries for those who can’t come to the shop are well appreciated, and we also check to see if our elderly and customers need any other help.”

Marc’s efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed.

Customer Mandy Blake Cairns said: “He is so committed to his customers, I’m now in two weeks of isolation due to being on immune suppressants and he has bent over backwards to help me and my elderly neighbour.”

To Marc and all those who work at Allenby Late Shop, thank you.