A number of retailers in the valley are showing support for seniors and the vulnerable as well as taking precautions to keep customers safe.
Freson Bros. and Extra Foods in Drumheller have adopted the Golden Hour shopping policy. At Freson Bros. their locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and reserve this time for the elderly and those who are immune-compromised to do their shopping. This allows the store to be cleaned and sanitized, and also allows the shoppers to avoid the crowds and maintain social distancing.
“We’re doing cleaning all throughout the day, and then in the morning we do a major clean on the front ends,” said Drumheller Freson Bros manager Darryl Jacques. “We are trying to hit all the touchpoints.”
With concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been times that shoppers have not been able to purchase all the items they wish.
“We are reaching out to our suppliers to minimize any shortages that could occur,” said Jacques. “To keep our supply adequate for each of our customers we have had to put limits on some areas.”
At Extra Food in Drumheller, the store has shortened its hours and now closes at 8 p.m. to allow for
sanitizing. It is also opening at 7 a.m., reserving that time for elderly shoppers and those with disabilities.
Extra Foods also announced for the safety of its staff, it asks shoppers to leave their reusable grocery bags at home, and will not be charging for bags at the checkout.
