As of February 8th, as new government restrictions come into force, we are putting a new, safer shopping concept into force featuring two crucial principles: fewer people in stores and stricter monitoring. Based on recommendations by the CDPC (SPKC) and materials from the State Chancellery, Maxima has prepared a safe shopping guide to ensure that the shopping process is safe, convenient and easy to understand for everyone. Further information from the CDPC and State Chancellery has been placed in stores.
- Even fewer shoppers and stricter control
Taking into account the area of each store, Maxima has reduced the number of customers allowed in the store at any one time to allow for 25 m2 per shopper. Customer flow will be controlled carefully in several ways, for example, the number of baskets and trolleys available has been adapted for the number of shoppers allowed. Meanwhile, in some larger-format Maxima stores, the number of visitors is automatically calculated by an electronic system and live figures are sent to the security guard on their tablet. We would like to remind shoppers that they are only permitted to enter stores via the entrance; checkouts and the self-checkout zone cannot be used as an entrance.
- Recommended shopping times: early mornings, evenings and weekends
To avoid crowding at store entrances and lines outside the doors, we invite shoppers to visit in accordance with the traffic light principle when there are fewer visitors: early in the morning, and from 7 p.m. until the store closes. In accordance with Maxima’s latest figures, the safest shopping times are at weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, and the safest locations are the larger XXX stores as well as in the centre of Riga.
- Enough products for everyone
We have ordered enough products from our partners to ensure that there is enough for everyone, so we ask customers not to rush to the shops on the first few days when the sale of non-food products is once again permitted.
To reduce the time spent in store, Maxima recommends preparing a shopping list. We would like to remind shoppers that they will be let into stores one by one, except people who require the help of an assistant, and children up to the age of 12, who may enter along with one adult.
- Wear your mask correctly—”almost correctly” doesn’t count!
When you visit a store, you must wear a face mask, but to ensure that face mask use is effective and that store visits are safe both for yourself and others, it is crucial that you wear it properly. We join the State Chancellery in reminding shoppers that an almost correctly-worn mask that only covers the chin or nose does not count. Proper mask use means covering both the chin and the nose. Shoppers are alsko kindly reminded that visors can only be worn in combination with a mask. Customers can see how to wear their mask properly in the information displayed outside stores.
- Keep your distance outside as well as in stores
Despite the fact that there will be fewer shoppers in stores due to the new safe shopping concept, it is still important to keep your distance from other shoppers both in the aisles and when queueing for the checkouts. We recommend using the markers, cones and other distancing signs to help with distancing in stores. If a store is at maximum capacity and shoppers have to wait in a line outside, we remind shoppers that a two-metre distance between people should also be adhered to in this case.
- Dress warmly when going to shop
Bearing in mind the freezing temperatures outside, and the fact that the temperature in the next few weeks is predicted to remain around -13°C during the day, we suggest that shoppers dress warmly when coming to a store to avoid freezing if they are required to queue outdoors.
- Employees: people taking care of customers’ everyday needs
Our employees are a special asset who work every day to ensure that customers have everything they need, so we installed a range of safety equipment during the first wave of the virus almost a year ago: protective glass barriers at checkouts and in certain store zones, and additional sanitation stations both in staff areas and on the store floor. We also provide free natural vitamins—ginger, lemons and honey—to our staff to strengthen their immune systems. To offer emotional support, we have created a help team who are specially trained to give advice on how to cope with emotional strain during this time, should this occur.
Information for the media:
Liene Dupate-Ugule
Head of Communications, SIA "Maxima Latvija"
Phone: +371 26425420
Email: liene.dupate@maxima.lv
www.maxima.lv
