(CMR) A.L. Thompson's main location in George Town is preparing to re-open tomorrow morning at 8:00 am and is reminding its customers that they have implemented certain changes to ensure the safety of well being of all during the COVID-19 reintegration period.
The hardware store has been closed since March when government shut down all non-essential services on the island. As one of the island's largest retailers specializing in home and garden supplies and appliances, many service providers felt the pinch from them being closed.
When the company did a soft re-opening allowing for curbside pick-up and delivery we received many complaints about the fees that were being charged for the pick-up service. However, managing director “Al T.” offering the following insight:
“When we introduced online shopping we introduced a picking fee. That fee is for someone to do your personal shopping and it is charged by most online stores. Sometimes a person will have 20, 30 items that can take a staff member up to 2 hours to pick and fill. What is unfortunate about this customer's case is, he is only buying one item and i would agree it is excessive. All of this is new to us and we are still working to improve the system.”
With tomorrow's re-opening shoppers are reminded that they can only shop on their alphabetical day and will not be allowed in unless they are wearing a mask that covers their nose and mouth. This mandatory face mask policy is in keeping with the government's new regulations which also come in effect tomorrow morning.
Touchless sanitation dispensers will be provided for all persons to utilize upon entry and other surfaces will be sanitized by staff and security throughout the course of one's visit. Additionally, social distancing decals will be on the floor as reminders of the social distancing requirements.
Staff will be wearing masks/face guards and forced to also maintain the minimum recommended social distancing of six feet. They have also installed acrylic shields much like what Foster's supermarket has implemented at the cashiers.
Depending on the traffic volume they may also limit the number of customers allowed in the store at any given time.
If necessary due to high customer traffic volume, we will limit the number of customers permitted in the store at one time, and we ask that you continue to maintain the acceptable social distance while waiting to enter.
Shopping hours with this reopening are 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Until further notice, the Countryside Shopping Village location will remain closed. Customers are encouraged to continue to take advantage of the online shopping options available via their website.
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