Meijer.com file photo

Posted by The Huron Hub
Sunday, March 5, 2020
7:45 AM EST

Meijer stores are taking additional steps to make locations safer for both shoppers and team members during the COVID-19 outbreak, the company said on Saturday.

Meijer said it is asking customers to limit the number of shoppers who come to the store on each trip and, as well as implementing a policy to monitor the number of customers in stores at one time.

This includes managing the number of customers shopping to support proper social distancing practices.

The stores will also increase communications to customers about social distancing practices.

The latest steps the retailer has taken to help make the stores as safe as possible:

• Asking customers to limit the number of shoppers per trip, while understanding that some customers may need additional assistance.
• Conducting daily health screenings and temperature checks of team members as they arrive at the store.
• Completing installation of protective plexiglass shields at all check lanes and pharmacies in its 248 supercenters and stores.
• Adding signage and broadcast announcements inside the store educating customers about proper social distancing.
• Temporarily suspending the weekly sales ad beginning April 12 to decrease customer count inside the store.

These new steps are in addition the previous actions the retailer has implemented, which include:

• Suspending the use of re-usable bags by customers in its stores unless they’re being used for the retailer’s Shop & Scan program.
• Discontinued accepting beverage containers for return at its Michigan stores.
• Temporarily removed Sandy the Pony from the front end of its stores.
• Placed decals on the floor 6 feet apart in areas where customers may congregate, such as lines for check lanes, pharmacy and service desk counters.
• Suggesting customers use the length of their shopping carts to gauge appropriate distance from others where there aren’t decals on the floor.
• Implemented reduced shopping hours to support deeper cleaning overnight and re-stocking efficiency.
• Implemented dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens, customers with chronic health conditions and essential service workers.
• Encouraging use of the “express pay” option through the Meijer pharmacy enhanced text messaging program, which provides a contactless experience when picking up most prescriptions.

“We continue to look for additional ways to ensure the safety of our customers and team members in the face of this difficult challenge,” Meijer President & Chief Executive Officer Rick Keyes said. “By working together, we can reduce the spread of this virus and help keep our communities safe.”

You can view a special COVID-19 (coronavirus) news section on HuronHub.com by clicking on this link.

For current and up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.