Retailers gradually getting used to the new normal

“Retailers are gradually getting used to the new normal and opening their doors again for customers,” said Bryan Renten, chairman of the Surinamese Business Community Association (VSB), on Wednesday afternoon on behalf of the VSB and the Association of Surinamese Manufacturers (ASFA). Renten pointed out that both organizations want to support companies that want to reopen for business. “It is important for that to happen in a safe manner so that infections with the novel coronavirus are prevented.” After several COVID-19 had been reported, the retailers closed their businesses out of fear of getting infected. Renten also pointed out that the My Safe Store program has been launched to lend a helping hand to retailers who want to be back in business. The retailers are given information in Dutch and Chinese on how to protect themselves and their clients against the virus. The retailers receive posters and floor stickers which remind people of the distance that they must maintain from each other. They also receive messages via WhatsApp twice to thrice a week to remind them that they must stick to the precautionary measures. It is also important for retailers to make sure that not too many people enter their store simultaneously and to only allow customers who cover their mouths and noses to enter. Customers are also urged to do their shopping as quickly as possible. It is also important for customers to obey the rules. “It is a slow process. Retailers are afraid. But we must work together to get the stores open again. We must be able to do our shopping. It is also an important source of income for retailers, employees and suppliers,” said Renten who added that 500 retailers have already committed themselves to the ‘My Safe Store’ program and that it is expected that 300 will join them soon. The retailers who have adopted this program are given a My Safe Store sticker which they put at the entrance of their store.