Meijer Announces New Efforts to Keep Customers and Team Members Safe

Retailer asking customers to limit number of shoppers per trip, be disciplined about social distancing

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Apr 04, 2020, 11:12 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer announced today additional steps it is taking to make its stores safe for both shoppers and team members. In addition to amplifying its communication to customers about social distancing practices, Meijer is now asking its customers to limit the number of shoppers who come to the store on each trip.

Following are the newest 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.
Implementing processes to monitor the number of customers in our stores. This includes managing the number of customers shopping 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 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 supplement 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."

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 248 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the "one-stop shopping" concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.