After the crowded scenes in supermarkets in the last few days before the entry into force of containment in France, and to limit the risks of the spread of the coronavirus, a large number of food chains, the few shops authorized to stay open, have decided to apply new operating rules.
Extended hours, slots reserved for the frail
Since Tuesday, March 17 in the morning, Intermarché and Netto have decided to extend their opening hours so as to spread the flow of customers as best as possible. The stores thus open half an hour earlier, at 8 a.m. to close at 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. Auchan is also considering implementing a similar measure. The two brands of the Les Mousquetaires group also reserved the first half hour, from 8 am to 8:30 am, to their customers over the age of 70. Some Carrefour stores are also carrying out initiatives of this kind, such as in Lamballe in the Côtes-d'Armor, which opened earlier on Monday so that seniors can do their shopping alone between 7.45 am and 8.30 am. Carrefour also plans to reserve cases for the frail.
Flow regulation but no rationing
To prevent too many customers from circulating in the store, all of the brands now regulate the flow with filtering at the entrance. Most of them put markings on the ground at the level of the boxes so that customers respect the distance of one meter. Even drives take maximum precautions. Chronodrive has therefore asked its customers not to leave the vehicle while loading the products into the boot. And to manage the abundance of orders, these are now only validated if a slot is available within 48 hours.
However, the brands do not plan - for the moment - to limit the number of items that customers can buy and prefer to rely on common sense. And to remember that the stocks are there. “One-off shortages are due to mass purchases in recent days. But the warehouses are full, ”Carrefour promises. The softening of the rules related to night work and overtime as well as the opening of warehouses on Sundays make it possible to "secure the supply chain", assure distributors.
Strengthening home delivery with a service for the elderly
Auchan, Carrefour or Franprix and Monoprix maintain, even strengthen, their home shopping delivery service. Like Monoprix, which, in addition to facilitating "click and collect" through stands outside stores, also now offers delivery slots "Sunday all day" (against only usually in the morning) . The delivery remains payable up to 50 euros.
On the other hand, for isolated people, Monoprix and Franprix have set up a toll-free number which will allow them to access an ordering service and have a basket of essential products delivered free of charge. Carrefour will also set up a similar service this week with baskets at 30 and 50 euros.
Plexiglas and wipes for checkout hostesses
Intermarché but also Auchan, Lidl and soon Carrefour are gradually installing plexiglass boxes to avoid direct contact between customers and hostesses. For the past week, they have been encouraged to take regular breaks to wash their hands. Hydroalcoholic gel, gloves and wipes are massively distributed while the shopping carts and baskets are cleaned regularly.
At Picard, in addition to the gradual installation of Plexiglas separation at the checkouts, the carts have been eliminated - too difficult to disinfect between each customer. You have to come with your own bag. Credit card payments are encouraged and to limit contact, all customers, whether or not members of the loyalty program, benefit from the current discounts.
