GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Meijer says it has started limiting the amount of shoppers inside of its stores in an effort to promote social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a news release from the grocery store chain, Meijer says it is asking customers to limit the number of shoppers per trip. The company says it is also implementing processes to monitor the number of customers in stores.
The chain will conduct daily health screenings and temperature checks on employees when they arrive and install protective plexiglass shields at all check lanes and pharmacies.
Signage and broadcast announcements are also being added to remind customers about social distancing and the chain will temporarily suspend its weekly sales ad starting April 12 to limit the amount of customers in stores.
In the release, Meijer says these measures add on to current ones in place, including:
- 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 in the release. “By working together, we can reduce the spread of this virus and help keep our communities safe.”
