Retailers Circuit Breaker: 5 Steps to Safely Reopen

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses worldwide to close their doors temporarily. As the world slowly begins to reopen, retailers are facing the challenge of how to do so safely and effectively. This article outlines a five-step approach for retailers to safely reopen their stores and resume operations.

Step 1: Assess the Situation:

Before reopening, retailers must assess the local health conditions and government regulations. Consult with local health authorities to determine the risk level and any specific guidelines for businesses. Determine the staffing levels, supply chain, and financial resources needed to reopen safely.

Step 2: Develop a Safety Plan:

Create a comprehensive safety plan that outlines all the steps necessary to protect employees and customers from COVID-19. This plan should include:

• Employee Health Protocols: Screening employees for symptoms, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and establishing social distancing guidelines.
• Customer Safety Measures: Limiting store capacity, installing plexiglass barriers, and encouraging contactless payment.
• Enhanced Cleaning Procedures: Disinfecting surfaces regularly, providing hand sanitizer, and deep cleaning after hours.

Step 3: Communicate with Customers:

Clearly communicate the safety measures being implemented to customers. Use signage, email, social media, and phone calls to keep customers informed. Reassure them that their health and safety are a top priority.

Step 4: Phase in Operations:

Initially, reopen stores with reduced hours and limited capacity to test the safety measures and adjust as needed. Gradually increase hours and capacity if there are no major issues. Monitor customer feedback and make adjustments accordingly.

Step 5: Monitor and Evaluate:

Continuously monitor the situation and evaluate the effectiveness of the safety measures. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure the safety of employees and customers. Seek feedback from stakeholders and make improvements based on their input.

Industry Trends and Initiatives:

• Contactless Shopping: Retailers are adopting contactless technologies, such as mobile payment and curbside pickup, to minimize physical contact.
• Virtual Shopping: Virtual shopping experiences allow customers to browse products online and interact with sales associates remotely.
• Retail Health Checks: Retail Health Check (RHC) is a certification program developed by the National Retail Federation (NRF) to help retailers demonstrate their commitment to health and safety.

Customer Insights:

• Safety Concerns: Customers are primarily concerned about their health and safety when shopping.
• Convenience: Customers value convenience and shopping experiences that are fast and easy.
• Personalization: Customers expect personalized experiences and tailored recommendations.

Key Figures:

• According to the NRF, retail sales in the US fell by 18.3% in April 2020 due to COVID-19 closures.
• A McKinsey & Company survey found that 95% of consumers believe that retailers should implement safety measures before reopening.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that businesses reopen with reduced capacity to maintain social distancing.

Conclusion:

Reopening retail stores safely is essential for the industry's recovery. By following a comprehensive five-step approach, retailers can protect their employees and customers while resuming operations. By embracing new technologies and listening to customer feedback, retailers can adapt to the changing retail landscape and thrive in the post-COVID-19 era.

Additional Resources:

• National Retail Federation: https://nrf.com/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/

Table 1: Safety Plan Checklist

Table 2: Contactless Shopping Technologies

Table 3: Customer Insights

Table 4: Post-COVID-19 Retail Trends