Coronavirus: Meijer stores are taking additional steps to ensure the health of workers and shoppers

MIAMI VALLEY — Meijer stores say they have already amplified communication to their customers about social distancing practices and now they are implementing some additional practices to make shopping even safer.

Customers are now asked to limit the number of people who accompany them to the store and Meijer says they will be monitoring the number of people who come in the stores in an effort to help with social distancing.

However, the company has acknowledged that some people may need additional assistance shopping.

“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 Meijer President & Chief Executive Officer Rick Keyes.

“By working together, we can reduce the spread of this virus and help keep our communities safe.”

Meijer is planning to install plexiglass shields at all check lanes and pharmacies. They will also add additional signs within the stores to educate people on proper social distancing. Weekly sales ads will decrease beginning April 12 to limit the number of people entering stores, according to a release.

In addition to the steps Meijer plans to take, they have already implemented some changes such as the following:

• Suspending the use of re-usable bags by customers in its stores unless they’re being used for the retailer’s Shop & Scan program.
• 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.

© 2020 Cox Media Group