While so many stores and businesses are battling with finding ways to continue, or to resume operations post-pandemic, the grocery store business has continued to run at well over 100 per cent across the globe.
That is no different here in North Bay. Stuart Parker is the owner of Parker's Independent Grocer near the Northgate Shopping Centre.
Aside from increased demand for online service, which is booming, grocery store owners have had the challenge of creating a comfortable and safe shopping environment for the shopper and of course the employee as well.
One of those key changes includes the use of Plexiglass near the front counters.
"I think there is a mixed bag, but I think the majority like the parameters that have been put in place," said Parker.
"There are always those people that think it is over the top and ridiculous but you know you take the good with the bad. My cashiers certainly feel better with it. We have taken it a step further and now they have Plexiglass behind them so with summer coming and we are seeing quite the growth in business now.
To create more physical distancing, Parker has also cut down on the number of open lanes from nine down to five.
"I wanted a closed lane in between each one just to protect the customers and the staff," explains Parker.
"They are able to step into this little cubicle and they are able to process more customers, faster which reduces wait times at the front while staying safe. It is a bit weird, there is a hole there for you to pay. My cashiers pride themselves on being super friendly and talkative, all that kind of stuff. That has not changed a whole lot other than relieving a bit of anxiety on both sides."
See related: Grocery stores trying to keep up with online shopping
Parker also notes that sanitation has become a huge priority as well.
"We have always prided ourselves on cleanliness but this has certainly taken it up a notch," he admits.
"Now I have a sanitation schedule, whereas before I had a meat schedule and a bakery schedule around the clock. Now there is a schedule that I have and it's the sanitation schedule so I have someone from open to close from a long laundry list. Everything from phones to freezer door handles to scales that the meat department and the side departments use get wiped down on different timelines. It is a schedule regimented thing. It needs to be put in place, from the sanitation of carts to just a lot of labour that is shifted to sanitation and to our express shopping."
Jeff Buckton is the co-owner of Jeff and Tanis’ No Frills on Lakeshore Drive.
During a North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce online seminar on Monday, Buckton advised listeners to educate staff on physical distancing and what six feet looks like.
He also recommends putting up Plexiglass barriers.
"The cashiers will feel 1,000 times better. And do a lot of cleaning. That means all surfaces including things people touch, at the checkout and all over cash registers," Buckton told CKAT.
Dr. Jim Chirico, chief medical officer at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit believes local grocery stores like Parker's Independent Grocer are doing a good job operating under these unusual circumstances.
"Grocery stores have implemented a number of strategies to ensure the safety of employees and public in their stores," Dr. Chirico told BayToday via email.
"Proper cleaning, sanitization, and physical distancing are some of the most important measures businesses can take to keep employees and the public safe. Physical distancing means everyone should do their best to stay two metres (6 feet) apart.
Chirico points out that there are a number of precautions businesses can take such as:
- Minimize contact with customers
- Maintain a safe distance while handing goods and taking payment, including minimizing or eliminating handling of cash and eliminating at-the-door payment methods
- Add floor markings and barriers to manage traffic flow and physical distancing
- Install barriers between cashiers and customers; this can include Plexiglass or markings on the floor to ensure at least 2 meters between customer and cashier
- Restrict the number of people on-site and where they are assigned to work
The Ontario Government has released sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers and the general public from COVID-19. They can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace.
Parker and Chirico are hoping other businesses will be able to look at the grocery store example when they get the green light to open their doors to customers too.
