Black Friday responsibility
UNIQUE: THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL SALE WILL BE LIKE NO OTHER BECAUSE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Before you go out and fight for another TV… is your life worth a bargain?
This year’s Black Friday will be like no other. After all, we’ve never had a Covid-19 situation before. Burt Rodrigues, CEO of Biodx, pictured, and Alan Hirsch, founder and CEO of Hirsch’s Homestores, give their insight into shopping this Black Friday.
Before you go out and fight for another TV… is your life worth a bargain? Is it responsible of retailers to get people wanting more things they cannot afford?
When asked how his stores are planning to cope with the hordes that will come to get the bargains up for grabs, Hirsch replies confidently: “We’re expecting a lot of people but we’re confident in the training we’ve given our staff. Temperatures will be taken when people arrive. There will be specially sanitised seats spaced apart and as people arrive they’ll be asked what they’ve come for, given a ticket for that item with the assurance they’ll get what they want.
“We’ll have 25 sales people on the floor and allow in 25 people at a time so each person is personally attended to.
“We keep track rack of how much stock k we have of any one item and only ly give out the e amount of tickets to match. That way you reduce any pushing or shoving and everyone’s happy.
“We feel it’s ’s all about communicating unicating with our staff and our customers. For instance, when it comes to masks – no mask no entry into the shop. That’s not negotiable. Ours is a family business and we’re about our team members and our customers.”
Rodrigues agrees with the Hersch strategy.
“I think making this a threeday event, instead of just one day, was a wise move by Hirsch’s as by giving people extra time and assurance of stock, you’ll mitigate some of the danger,” he says.
“This is still not a time to let your guard down.
“Whatever shop you go to that day, or that weekend, make sure you’re properly armed with your mask, disinfectant and hand sanitiser.
“Don’t just rely on a spray at the door. Keep your distance and stay safe.” –