Stop & Shop spot speaks to shoppers

The Ahold Delhaize banner Stop & Shop released a touching TV and digital spot asking shoppers to comply with social distancing and to say thank you to its customers.

The ad titled “Please,” is running in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. There is an accompanying radio ad, and corresponding print and digital ads are supporting.

“While the impact of the pandemic has left none of our communities untouched, Stop & Shop’s extraordinary associates have stood firm in their commitment to keeping our stores open and accessible,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop. “We are dedicated to our customers and appreciate them continuing to do everything they can do to help make shopping safer. We also appreciate the willingness of our shoppers to urge others to take steps to protect everyone’s health: shopping solo, respecting one-way aisles, wearing a mask while shopping and respecting social distancing guidelines.”

Like many, Stop & Shop has been enforcing safety measures in stores such as strict customer capacity limits; clear plastic barriers at all registers; added space between check outs; masks and gloves for all associates; robust cleaning and sanitizing procedures; and disinfecting wipes near store entrances so customers can wipe down carriages, hand baskets and ScanIt! Devices. See the retailer roundup for more on what stores are doing.

Along with announcing the ad campaign, Stop & Shop said it has joined forces with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) to call on federal and state governments to designate associates at grocery stores as “extended first responders” or “emergency personnel.” Kroger and Albertsons previously have done the same with the union.