Vulnerable shoppers and emergency services get preferential treatment at supermarkets
Friday, 27 March 2020
Countdown is prioritising home delivery of groceries to vulnerable customers.
Shoppers can apply for priority assistance if they are over 70, have chronic illnesses or disabilities that make it hard to shop in stores.
General manager health and safety Kiri Hannifin said supermarkets were an essential service and online delivery was the only way some people could access groceries.
Some shoppers have reported not being able to find a delivery spot any time within the next fortnight.
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'This is an incredibly challenging time for all of us as Kiwis, but for some people, there is significantly more risk,' Hannifin said.
'Our online shopping services have seen unprecedented demand and to help ensure we can provide the essential service we need to, we are prioritising those customers whom the government has identified as most vulnerable at this time.
'We know we can't reach every single New Zealander, and we also know there are other customers who may not be able to leave their homes to shop. We will try as much as we can to consider these customers on a case-by-case basis.
'We want to let people know there is still likely to be a delay for groceries because demand is so high at the moment, but our teams are doing everything we can to increase our delivery windows and help give those customers who need it most some peace of mind and support.'
The company has also converted its Grey Lynn, Auckland, shop to an online hub and its closing its Albert St, Auckland, store to redeploy staff to online shopping.
It is working on converting five other supermarkets to shopping hubs.
'We ask our regular customers for their patience as we do this, and if you are able to, please shop in our stores so we can help prioritise those Kiwis who need this online service the most,' Hannifin said.
Supermarkets have been put under intense pressure amid the Covid-19 outbreak, as shoppers stocked up on items ahead of the lockdown.
They are now limiting the numbers of shoppers allowed in stores at any one time.
Paymark reported that $111 million was spent on Monday alone on food and liquor purchases.
Meanwhile, Foodstuffs stores are giving uniformed emergency services and medical personnel priority at the checkout and external queues in any store, at any time nationwide.
The change takes effect on Friday at New World, Pak'n Save and Four Square shops around the country.
Any emergency service or medical professional wearing their uniform or carrying district health board, medical centre or proper identification will be given priority to enter the store, should the store have a line, and to go through the checkout line first.
'We know it might be hard for emergency services and medical personnel to do their shop at a fixed time every day,' says Chris Quin, chief executive of Foodstuffs North Island.
'Our goal is to provide New Zealand's much needed essential personnel with the opportunity to do their shop whenever they need to and not have to wait in any line. They are making an incredible commitment to keep us safe as we unite to fight against COVID-19 and we are incredibly grateful for their service.'
It applies to military, civil defence, police, fire and emergency, ambulance and medical professionals.
'As New Zealand works together to eliminate Covid-19, our emergency services and medical teams are going to be critical to help New Zealanders stay safe and well,' said Steve Anderson, chief executive of Foodstuffs South Island.
'We're proud to be able to do our bit to make their lives easier when we know they'll be working long and stressful hours. They deserve priority access all day every day, and our essential working staff look forward to serving them.'