Stores readjust hours, employee pay
Retailers are continuing to nudge back toward normalcy, based on some recent operational moves by retailers. Kroger, for example, will be ending its raise of $2 an hour for workers on May 17, what they called a “Hero Bonus,” but it has also hired more than 100,000 workers over the last two months to help maintain demand.
The store said it would continue to serve healthcare coverage and emergency leave for virus-related symptoms, handing out masks to associates and workers, and enable social distancing protocols.
Also, while still continuing social distancing in stores, Publix has ended its reserved shopping hour for seniors, health workers and those at risk, which was set aside for two days a week, and stores are officially running at expanded hours between 7 a.m.-9 p.m., daily.
Meijer, however, is extending its shopping hours for senior citizens, first responders and customers at risk by an extra hour, running a special shopping block from 6-8 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. In all, stores are extending operating hours to close at midnight.
“These extended hours will best serve all our customers and provide more flexibility to shop Meijer stores,” said Rick Keyes, president and chief executive officer, Meijer. “As communities begin to re-open, it’s more important than ever that we find new ways to adjust and reshape how our customers shop for products they need while keeping their families safe.”
The retailer also recently donated 750,000 masks to frontline workers.
Walmart updated that it would issue another cash bonus to its hourly associates of $300 to full-time employees and $150 to part-time employees. Target has extended its $2 an hour bonus through May 30.
See more at the Retailer Roundup.