As with any type of retailer, the overall look and feel of a grocery store is important. If they are to be honest, customers expect shelves to be pristine. And that takes into consideration more than just the tidiness and organization of products; it also applies to the actual cleanliness of all surfaces.
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the necessary errand of grocery shopping has become stressful for many. Customers want to get in and grab what they need from shelves, stack displays, refrigerators and freezers and then get out of stores as quickly as possible. Because of this, leisurely browsing has temporarily been suspended.
A clean store environment—from the shelves to the floors to the checkout lines—encourages a more satisfying shopping experience, a positive atmosphere, accurate inventory management, increased efficiency and fewer health concerns among shoppers and staff members. Especially during the pandemic, customers are now on high alert for store safety and cleanliness of surface areas and the products themselves.
Throughout the day, it’s important to make frequent checks of all display areas to ensure the store is clean and presentable, which helps customers feel safer while shopping. From the time they are installed, Retail Space Solutions recommends its pusher tray systems are kept clean and sanitized at all times to uphold the quality of products and, more importantly, reduce the spread of disease among shoppers and store employees.
This is especially true when items are running low or out of stock. That’s when shoppers get a clear view of empty displays and bare shelves. If those empty surfaces appear dirty, customers may assume that stockers did not pay close enough attention and—even worse—fear that products can possibly be contaminated.
According to a Consumer Reports survey, “cleanliness standards in supermarkets, warehouse clubs and other grocery stores also includes bright lighting, shiny floors, gleaming glass and counters and well-tended displays.”
From cashiers wiping down conveyer belts between purchases to reserving morning hours for elderly and high-risk shoppers, extra measures are being taken to increase shopper security and promote wellbeing. Grocery stores are following the suggested protocol to slow or prevent the spread of disease:
- Cleaning staff should use antibacterial wipes and sprays to make sure all surfaces, including pusher trays, displays and fridge door handles, are thoroughly cleaned.
- Employees should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when available.
- For customers entering the store, provide disinfecting wipes for cart handles and have hand sanitizer dispensers available for use.
- Staff members should wear face masks to prevent germs. Protective gloves should be discarded and changed regularly to prevent cross-contamination.
- Staff members who are not feeling well or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should be discouraged from working their shift.
Retail Space Solutions takes the health and safety of shoppers and store employees seriously and strongly enforces proper sanitation of pusher systems. For tips to clean pusher systems, please feel free to contact us at 800-279-5291.