With a focus on colleagues and customers safety, protective measures were put in place supported by continual monitoring and review procedures for the 13 SPAR Hypermarkets currently open to consumers. Supporting the online shopping facility which has been in place for some time, an addition nine stores operate with similar procedures but are closed, ensuring customers can have their online orders fulfilled even in a lock-down situation. In line with legislation, only essential commodities may be sold and therefore all other areas of the SPAR Hypermarkets are cordoned off.
SPAR India has rigorous screening procedures in place using infrared thermometers to check the body temperature of all colleagues before they may enter the workplace. During working hours protective equipment including gloves, masks, visors, hair nets, wind cheaters, hand sanitizer combined with social distancing ensures the safety of the retail teams.
No-one under the age of 18 may enter the store and every customer’s body temperature is checked with infrared thermometer prior to entry. Only 20 customers can be inside the store at one time and only one member of each family; this is tracked using a token system. Customers also have protection – they must wear face masks when instore, can only be in the store for 30 minutes, have access to hand sanitizer upon entry and floor markings encourage them to maintain the regulatory social distance at all times. Additionally, acrylic walls protect also the cashiers and kiosk workers.
The rigorous cleaning procedure in line with WHO recommendations is undertaken throughout the store frequently, giving an added level of safety. Shopping trollies are disinfected after every use.
Online order fulfilment procedures include that all crates are thoroughly cleaned after each delivery and all items are packed. A social distance is maintained during delivery and the delivery team are protected by using masks, gloves and wind cheaters. Government issued authorisation letters are carried by each driver.
Recognising the pressure on retail teams at this time, an incentive is paid each day to those colleagues able to work, with tea and snacks being provided to ensure healthy eating is maintained. The team at SPAR India is committed to serve their local communities, especially in the current situation.
Source: SPAR India
About SPAR India
In August 2014, SPAR International and Max Hypermarkets entered into a partnership agreement to develop the brand across the country. Max Hypermarkets is operated by the Landmark Group, a retail group headquartered in Dubai.
SPAR India has focused development on the SPAR Hypermarket format, converting stores from the Max brand and establishing new build stores – expanding the reach into new territories.
