RETAIL REACTION
Area stores cope with new pandemic-induced reality
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » As Capital Region residents react to COVID-19, local retail stores are experiencing a new pandemic-induced reality.
Grocery stores and supermarkets around the area are taking special measures during these unprecedented times, including extra cleaning, adjusted hours and home delivery service.
As companies strive to keep certain products in stock, some stores are limiting the quantities the customers can buy.
“On Friday we began limiting some purchases in order to get high-demand items into the homes of as many of our customers as possible,” said Mona Golub, vice president of public relations and consumer services at the Schenectady-based Price Chopper and Market 32, noting that the stores have placed shelf signs mandating quantity limits on certain items, such as paper towels, bath tissue, water, hand sanitizer, household disinfecting wipes, isopropyl alcohol and hand soap.
Furthermore, Price Chopper and Market 32 stores that typically operate 24 hours a day are closing from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., to facilitate the restocking of products and to perform additional preventative sanitation. In addition, all Price Chopper and Market 32 stores will pre-open exclusively to seniors from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day, beginning on Thursday, March 19.
“We recognize the impor
tance of the role we play in providing vital goods and services to our communities and want to reassure our customers that the food supply is abundant and that our sanitation protocols meet the highest CDC guidelines,” Golub said in a press release.
While this change in hours of operation is temporary, there is currently no timeline for when stores will resume normal hours.
Larger chains like Walmart are making similar changes. Rather than operating 24/7, Walmart stores are currently open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice.
“This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing, Dacona Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S., said in a statement.
Walmart has also implemented a temporary COVID-19 emergency leave policy, which includes a waived attendance occurrence policy, up to two weeks of pay for those required to quarantine, and possible additional pay replacement for those not able to return to work after that time period.
“I could not be prouder of our associates and what they continue to accomplish for our customers. I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what our people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need,” Smith said in the statement. “To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.”
Hannaford stores are taking steps to protect shoppers and associates, too. “We have exhaustive and thorough food safety practices. We maintain rigorous cleaning procedures and strict hygiene techniques that are most effective at combating viruses. And we are asking associates who are feeling unwell to stay home. The health and safety of our customers and associates is our top priority,” the company said in a statement.
In response to increased purchasing of specific products, the company said it is working as quickly as possible with suppliers to replenish specific high-demand items when a low inventory occurs.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And in accordance with recommendations and guidance from local and national health authorities, we are prepared to take additional steps should the outbreak become more widespread in the communities we serve,” the Hannaford statement said.
Many customers from the Capital Region report seeing busy stores and empty shelves on their most recent shopping trips.
“Our grocery store was packed and the inventory was low but actively being restocked,” said local resident Amelia Persico, who went shopping for her family as well as her parents. “I was able to find most of what I needed but had to get some brands I don’t usually purchase. I have been able to get the baby wipes and diapers we need with no trouble! Formula seems to remain pretty well stocked, too.” Looking ahead, Persico said she plans to avoid going to the store as much as possible.
Another area customer Katrina Koren visited three top chain markets on her most recent grocery outing. “People were trying to collect what was left on the shelves (which wasn’t much) to piece ingredients for meals,” she said.
When Edward Parham shopped at Hannaford in Clifton Park on Monday he found that canned goods, pasta, sauces and cereals were either stripped or in very short supply. “Paper towels and toilet paper are also next to impossible to locate,” he added, noting that there were very few employees working in the store and almost all customers were asked to use the self checkout system.
Small, locally owned retail stores are dealing with a different set of issues since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. For them, “The challenge is getting customers to come through the door when everyone is focused on social distancing,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber is strongly urging local residents who want to help these unique local stores to survive to do two things. “First, most of the local stores have both a brick and mortar location and an online store. Shop these online stores for that special gift you’ll need later this year when we can all get together again or buy something for yourself,” Shimkus suggested. “Second, drop by the store or call or go online to buy a gift card. Again, you can use it yourself or give it to someone as a gift at a later date.”
“Now more than ever, shopping from and supporting locally owned, small businesses will be critically important to our local economy as a whole.” Kate Manley, President of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, said.
“Whether you’re placing an online order for delivery or to pick up at a later date, buying an online gift card, donating to a local nonprofit or charitable organization, or even writing an overly positive review online for your favorite locally owned businesses, the actions our community takes now to support our locally owned small businesses will help them mitigate any potential loses throughout this process.”