Last updated on April 2nd, 2020 at 11:59 am
Supermarkets continue to make changes to serve customers during the coronavirus crisis. Following are some of the latest developments in the Northeast.
FutureProof Retail donates mobile checkout to stores
FutureProof Retail (FPR) is donating its Mobile Checkout Solution to grocery stores, pharmacies and supermarkets to help reduce stress on stores and communities. Created and powered by FPR, Mobile Checkout is helping shoppers practice social distancing and avoid standing in lines while enabling them to get the food supplies they need.
New York City’s Fairway Market incorporated its Mobile Checkout application as part of the market’s shopper safety recommendations to its customers. Since the shopper safety campaign, Fairway has seen a more than 300 percent increase in app adoption. At least 20 percent of transactions are now coming through their mobile checkout app in their city stores, and 30 percent at the peak location.
Customers scan and pay for items with their phone. The solution removes the need for cashiers to handle customers’ items and allows customers to purchase without waiting in line.
“Because of its potential public health benefits, we are offering our basic service for free during the current state of emergency,” FutureProof Retail CEO Will Hogben says. “The more stores we can enable, the more people will avoid checkout lines, reducing stress on the stores and community.”
While there is a national state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic, FutureProof Retail (FPR) is donating its line-free checkout solution free of charge for grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and other retail establishments that serve essential community needs:
- Line-free mobile checkout with the retailer’s own branding via the Express Checkout app;
- Associated control systems for store staff and headquarters management;
- CSV integration for importing products and prices, and exporting transaction logs;
- Customizable communication templates, including email, social media and in-store signage; and
- Rapid deployment (three working days).
Weis Markets boosts wages by $2 during Covid-19 crisis
Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets said its store-level, hourly paid employees will be paid an additional $2.00 per hour while the company continues to serve communities impacted by Covid-19 containment measures. This temporary increase went into effect on March 22.
In a letter to store-level, hourly paid associates issued on Saturday, company Chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis said, “I know how hard it has been to remain in stock on the high-demand products customers are looking for and that serving them during these stressful times isn’t always easy. But we know you’re getting the job done, and many of our customers appreciate your hard work and commitment.”
In his associate letter, Weis added, “Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
Market Basket adjusts store hours during coronavirus outbreak
Tewksbury, Massaschuetts-headquartered Market Basket will adjust store operating hours, opening at 7 a.m. and closing earlier at 6 p.m. every day at all locations. Senior shopping hours (age 60 plus) will continue to be in effect Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.
“We are committed to serve our customers and community in the best possible way during this challenging time,” said Arthur T. Demoulas, CEO of Market Basket. “The adjusted closing hour of 6 p.m. is to provide our hard working associates the opportunity to rest and recharge, while we utilize the evening hours to stock and prepare our stores for the next day’s business. The heart and soul and stamina of the Market Basket team along with the tremendous support and understanding of our customers is remarkable and greatly appreciated.”
