Waitrose launches new in-store social distancing measures
The Waitrose supermarket chain has introduced a raft of new measures to help customers and staff social distance in its stores.
From today, the retailer’s shops will begin limiting the number of customers allowed in at any one time. Limits will be determined on a branch by branch basis according to the number of tills in-store. Shop managers will be asked to use their judgment on customer numbers and will operate a one in, one out policy when stores are full.
Waitrose is also planning to introduce in-store floor signage to ensure that customers remain two metres apart when queueing at checkouts and at welcome desks. In addition, there will be checkout screens to protect staff and customers from infected moisture droplets and staff will be provided with protective visors if they request them. To promote social distancing further, Waitrose will close one check-out wherever there are two check-outs operating back to back.
Other measures include new lift instructions stating that only one customer or family should occupy a lift at any one time.
In addition, Waitrose is encouraging customers to shop in a cashless and contactless way to prevent unnecessary contact.
Bérangère Michel, executive director of customer service at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “The health of our partners and customers has always been our number one priority and we fully support social distancing.
“While these measures will dramatically change how people shop and interact with others in our stores for the moment – they are absolutely vital to ensure that our customers can shop safely and that our partners are protected as they go above and beyond to serve shoppers in this time of crisis.”
