Meijer is taking several "additional steps" to make its stores "safe for both shoppers and team members" amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The retailer is asking its customers to "limit the number of shoppers per trip," while "understanding that some customers may need additional assistance," according to Meijer today.
It is also asking shoppers to be "disciplined about social distancing."
“We continue to look for additional ways to ensure the safety of our customers and team members in the face of this difficult challenge,” said Rick Keyes, president and CEO, Meijer.
“By working together, we can reduce the spread of this virus and help keep our communities safe.”
Today, Meijer also described the "newest steps" it has taken in its stores:
- Implementing processes to monitor and manage the number of customers in our stores to support proper social distancing practices.
- Conducting daily health screenings and temperatures checks of team members as they arrive at the store.
- Completing installation of protective plexiglass shields at all checkout lanes and pharmacies.
- Adding signage and broadcast announcements inside the store educating customers about proper social distancing.
- Temporarily suspending weekly sales ad beginning April 12 to decrease customer count inside the store.
These newest steps are in addition to Meijer's previously announced actions:
- Suspending the use of re-usable bags by customers, unless they’re being used for the Shop & Scan program.
- Discontinued accepting beverage container returns at Michigan stores.
- Temporarily removed Sandy the Pony from the front of stores.
- Placed decals on the floor six feet apart where customers may congregate, such as checkout lines, the pharmacy and service desk counters.
- Suggesting customers use the length of their shopping carts to gauge the approriate distance from others.
- Implemented reduced shopping hours to support deeper cleaning overnight and re-stocking efficiency.
- Implemented dedicated shopping hours for seniors, customers with chronic health conditions and essential service workers.
- Encouraging use of the “express pay” option through the pharmacy enhanced text messaging program.
