Grocery stores have had to change their protocols in a number of ways in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is seeing many retailers like Giant Food implement new methods to control and prevent customer interaction. The grocery brand is now implementing customer traffic control measures that include one-way aisle navigation to prevent shoppers from coming into contact with one another. This will be communicated to shoppers through markers on the floor, while associates will also be nearby to help ensure customers are headed in the right direction.
Interim President of Giant Food Ira Kress spoke on the new initiative saying, "We are continuing to learn and adapt to the new ways of working during this challenging time and believe that these additional measures will allow us to further promote safe social distancing practices in our aisles to keep our customers and associates safe. We will continue to look for ways to make shopping as safe and easy as possible to keep our doors open as we provide this essential service to our communities."
No-Contact Shopper Initiatives
Giant Food is Introducing One-Way Aisles to Curb Customer Contact
Trend Themes
1. One-way Aisles - The implementation of one-way aisle navigation in grocery stores may lead to further development of customer traffic control measures
2. Contactless Payment - The shift to contactless payment options may gain momentum as retailers seek to minimize physical interactions between customers and associates
3. Mobile Ordering & Curbside Pickup - The demand for mobile ordering and curbside pickup options may increase as consumers seek to limit time spent inside stores
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry may see innovation opportunities focused on customer safety measures and the implementation of contactless payment options
2. Food Delivery - The food delivery industry may find disruptive innovation opportunities in the development of new contactless delivery methods and expanded mobile ordering options for grocery pickup
3. Technology - The technology industry may see opportunities for the development of new tools and solutions to support the implementation of customer safety measures and contactless payment options