We are seeing a drastic change in the way we are used to shopping as we all learn to deal with what’s going on around us. We are seeing protective barriers set up at checkouts, stickers on the floor and signage on the shelves telling us to stay back. Some stores are even limiting the number of people that can enter.
Here are updates on how different stores are handling the situation. I have a lot more information to go through so this is not a final list. I will keep updating here as I comb through the new policies at all our favorite stores.
Aldi
Here’s how Aldi is changing store policy during social distancing:
Limiting the number of people in the store.
Giving medical professionals front of the line access.
Implementing a 1 person per cart rule. Exceptions will be made for those who are vulnerable and in need of assistance and those with young children.
Making all aisles one-way.
Conducting health screenings for employees.
Costco
Starting May 4, 2020, Costco shoppers will be required to wear a face mask.
Costco has only announced that effective Friday, April 3, Costco will allow no more than two people to enter the warehouse with each membership card. They had previously announced an end to sampling, modified store hours, including senior shopping hours, and limited carry-out service and no seating at it’s cafes. Senior shopping hours are 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older, and people with disabilities. Only members who meet this criteria will be able to shop during these hours. Guests will not be admitted.
U.S. Costco warehouses will allow no more than two people to enter the warehouse with each membership card. Exceptions are El Paso (TX), Kentucky and Puerto Rico warehouses will allow no more than one person to enter per membership card.
Lines seen outside a Costco store practicing social distancing. April 4, 2020. picture may not be used without permission.
Dollar General
All stores have implemented social distancing measures (basically markers on the floor at the checkout to keep you 6 feet apart) and stores continue to close one hour early to allow for employees to clean each evening. Sneeze guards are going up and hand sanitizer is being provided for both employee and customer use (although at the stores I’ve been too, the employees are keeping it behind the register so I wouldn’t go in excepting to have access to hand sanitizer). Dedicated senior hours are at the start of each day and provide all medical personnel, active National Guardsmen and first responders with 10% off every day. Read their full statement here.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s has launched curbside pickup. Kohl’s curbside pickup service aims to provide customers with a safe and convenient way to shop their local stores. With curbside pickup, customers can shop online and get their items via limited-contact curbside pickup within 2 hours. You can find the full details on their page but basically you place your order, wait for the email that it’s ready, drive to the store, call them, pop your trunk and they place your order in and you’re good to go! Zero contact! Plus, you can still shop online and have your order shipped to you.
Publix
Publix is adding special shopping hours for hospital staff and first responders. Regular store hours at the moment are 8am to 8pm. Hospital staff and first responders can shop Thursdays after hours from 8pm to 9pm. Or Fridays before regular opening from 7am to 8am.
Senior and high risk customers can shop Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7am to 8am.
Target
Effective April 4, Target will actively monitor and, when needed, meter guest traffic in its stores to promote social distancing. Occupancy limits will vary by location and be determined by the store’s specific square footage to enhance the average space per person and reduce the possibility of congestion. If metering is required, a Target team member will provide a designated waiting area outside with social distancing markers.
Additionally, Target will supply its team members in stores and distribution centers with face masks and gloves to wear at work, while continuing to encourage healthy hygiene habits as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shoppers with Shipt, the same-day delivery service owned by Target, also will be able to obtain masks and gloves at stores across the country. All stores and distribution centers will receive face masks and gloves within the next two weeks.
The Fresh Market
As of April 14, 2020, The Fresh Market stores are requiring all guests to have masks, or “face coverings” before entering the store to shop. They’ve also implemented social distancing measures like 6 foot markers at checkout and put up plexiglass “sneeze guards” at the checkouts. Senior and at-risk shopping hours continue to be from 8am – 9am Monday through Friday.
Walmart
Starting Saturday, April 4th, Walmart will limit the number of customers allowed into their stores. The number allowed will be no more than five customers for each 1,000 square feet at a given time (around 20 percent of the store’s capacity.)
One side will be blocked off for entry and all customers will have to enter through the open side only (most often, that will be the Grocery entrance). Customers will be admitted one-by-one and counted. Once a store hits it’s capacity, customers must wait outside (observing the 6 feet social distancing guidelines) until a customer has left. As one customer leaves, another will be allowed in.
Carts are lined up to make a line queue area for people waiting to enter the store as Walmart implements new policies on the number of people allowed in their store. (picture may not be used without permission)
Once inside, Walmart plans to institute a one-way movement policy through the aisles. There will be floor markers and direction from associates and it is hoped this process will help customers avoid coming into close contact with others as they shop. .And once customers check out, they will be directed to exit through a different door than they entered.
So if you must go to Walmart, don’t take extra family members and make a list based on the way your store is laid out so can go in, get what you need in an orderly fashion and get out.
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