The Welsh Language Commissioner is encouraging retailers to make the most of the opportunities that come from introducing Welsh into their business.
Across Wales, the Welsh language is increasingly visible on our high streets. For supermarkets and grocery retailers, this is a practical opportunity to strengthen service quality and reflect the communities you serve—consistently, and with confidence. The message is simple: Welsh is a powerful tool for engaging with customers in Wales
Bilingual delivery helps customers navigate your stores and services. Self-check-outs or a simple greeting such as “bore da” can also make a real difference to the customer experience.
Welsh matters to your customers
Getting the basics right supports inclusion and helps ensure that Welsh-speaking customers can use services naturally in their own language and reflects how Welsh is spoken in all the communities of Wales.
The Welsh Language Commissioner offers support, clear guidance, and usable resources that build consistency across stores and digital channels.
Practical steps you can take now
Many improvements are straightforward and low-cost. These steps help normalise Welsh in everyday interactions and ensure customers receive a consistent, high-quality service—whether they shop in-store or online.
• Provide bilingual signs, aisle headers and customer notices
• Provide an easily accessible Welsh language option on self-service tills
• Use the Welsh language skills of your staff and celebrate this by issuing badges.
• Get everybody to practice simple Welsh phrases and give them a go!
• Plan campaigns to highlight Welsh produce and to emphasise important dates in the Welsh calendar.
Welsh-language provision works best when it is planned and consistent: accurate wording, clear design, and the same standard across stores and digital channels.
A clear standard: Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer)
Retailers including Lidl, Aldi and Boots have worked with the Commissioner’s team to strengthen Welsh-language provision and achieve the Cynnig Cymraeg accreditation. The accreditation recognises a clear, customer-facing standard and a commitment to delivering Welsh language services consistently.
Free support and advice
The Commissioner’s Hybu Team provides free, practical support to help grocery retailers improve your Welsh-language provision. This can include:
• Guidance on bilingual signage and customer service
• Language advice and practical resources
• Support to develop the Welsh language skills of staff
• Step-by-step planning for improvements at a realistic, manageable scale
Next step:
To learn more, contact the Hybu Team to agree on a plan, and practical steps for improving Welsh in your business in 2026. hybu@cyg-wlc.cymru
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