As retail stores begin to open their doors again, there are many things that will be different. Ensuring you are prepared to handle anything and while remaining operational should be top priority. Here are five tips to help guide you through re-opening your retail store.
Follow Government Guidelines
"These orders will contain a variety of employee-specific requirements that will run the gamut from donning [personal protective equipment such as] face masks and gloves, to social-distancing requirements, number of employees in a store at any one time based on the store's physical layout, prohibition on how many employees can congregate in certain areas, [a] ban on handshaking, etc."
Prepare Your Employees
Ensuring your employees are clear on expectations and procedures is a necessity”
- Identify staff members that you will bring on board
- Confirm that they’re in good health to work
- Schedule and distribute their upcoming shifts
- Include health and safety talking points in your daily huddles
- Post signage at time clocks, in employee break rooms, and in restrooms
Keep Things Sanitary
“Keep hand sanitizer readily available. Wipe down surfaces with anti-bacterial/anti-viral cleaners regularly (shelves, counters, door handles, windows, bathrooms, products, etc.)”
Promote Social Distancing
“Consider how your current workspace can be reconfigured to encourage social distancing if telework is not possible. The CDC recommends installing physical barriers, changing layouts to put at least six feet of distance between work stations, closing communal spaces, staggering shifts and breaks and refraining from large events.”
Develop Inventory Procedures
“Plan for goods delivery and storage if temporarily needed as well as how inventory and deliveries will be disinfected. Additionally, plan for how packages to be shipped will be handled. Consider contactless payments options such as RFID cards, Apple Pay, self-checkout, and online purchase to be picked up at a designated location or delivered to customer’s home.”
