Nine in ten (89%) convenience stores in the US have installed plexiglass barriers at the checkout, while 87% provide hand sanitiser in-store, a new study by NACS has found.
The study found that convenience retailers are continuing to enhance store operations in line with COVID-19 safety protocols, while also providing a safe, convenient shopping experience.
The US has recorded 3.48 million coronavirus cases, and more than 138,000 deaths since the outbreak was first reported.
Opening Hours
Some 98% of respondents to the NACS study said that their stores have remained open during the pandemic, with 64% retaining the same hours as before, and 34% saying that their opening hours have been cut.
Two fifths (40%) said that they have introduced or increased the availability of contactless payment options in-store, with 62% saying that fewer consumers are paying by cash.
In addition, a third (33%) of stores have introduced or expanded curbside pickup, 29% have introduced a drive-through element to their stores, while 21% have increased delivery services.
Some 63% of operators say that they are supporting medical or healthcare personnel, first responders, or others affected by the crisis.
The NACS Retailer Member survey was fielded in late June and closed July 2. A total of 77 member companies, representing a cumulative 2,796 stores, participated in the survey.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
