Supermarket Question

[Backdrifter]

I'm sure I'm not imagining this, it seems it's no longer possible to buy supermarket own brand multipacks of matches. Well, at least in two of my local branches. I used to get packs of 6 boxes of Waitrose own brand ones, and neither they nor Sainsbury’s stock them, it appears it’s the same online. There’s only the rubbish Swan vestas or those giant matches as long as magic wands. Has there been some legislation or something prohibiting supermarkets selling their own brands of matches?

[murraymints]

could only find Swan Vesta multi pack or Cooks safety matches in ASDA yesterday

[Cloverjo]

I haven't seen matches anywhere for years. Perhaps they're deemed a fire risk, so supermarkets don't stock them so much now.
I've been looking for pipe cleaners. I can't find them anywhere, either.

[murraymints]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/100pk-Multi-Coloured-Pipe-Cleaners/dp/B002R5R6Y4

clover !!

[Cloverjo]

Thank you, MurrayMints. I can now get the gunk out of my fridge.

Sorry, backdrifter. My first choice of buying things that I can't get in the supermarkets is usually Amazon, but I can't imagine they have matches.

[Cloverjo]

Oh, they do have matches. I guess they are not the ones you're looking for, though, backdrifter.

[EDDIE51]

Matches are a real 'retro' item now. With cigarette lighters, auto light gas ovens and few 'real fires' they are largely outmoded.

[EDDIE51]

I think they are also in the same 'hazard class' as fireworks so it understandable few places want to stock them.

[Bazile]

I was just trying to recall the last time i used matches - i cant

Is there still a market for the item ?

[EDDIE51]

Buy 100 boxes at a time on eBay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-BOX-x-SHIP-Safety-Matches-38pcs-per-Box-BBQ-candles-camping-COOKING-lighter-/281653593735

[EDDIE51]

Mainly classesd as camping and emergency items Bazile along with candles!

[Tremendous]

Tescos have them

http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=253254801

[Backdrifter]

Thanks everyone. I can't believe the lack of own-brand matches is some kind of safety concession, seeing as they still stock other kinds of matches. I’m amused by the idea of matches being a ‘retro’ item! And I’ve always been amused by matches being listed as “safety matches”. What’s that supposed to even mean? They won’t actually set light to or burn anything?

Anyway, thanks Tremendous, that’s useful to know somewhere that stocks matches that aren’t the length of knitting needles or near-impossible to light.