Businesses Get Creative To Better Serve Vulnerable Consumers
Businesses large and small in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are doing their part to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19.
While many businesses have closed temporarily, those that remain open are finding creative ways to continue serving customers.
Sequoia Dieppe and Downtown Moncton stores are offering free home deliveries and parking lot pick-ups, in which orders and payments are made on the phone and a staff member brings the products to the customers’ car.
“We have a lot of elderly people, high-risk people who shop at the store, so we just wanted to make sure that our community had access to healthy food and supplements, things that people depend on to live,” said Danielle Gauvin, who owns both stores.
“I think that it’s important that our community feels safe and they feel like there are people out there willing to help them, and nobody’s in their home feeling like they can’t get their hands on basic necessities to live.”
Gauvin said customers are already taking advantage of the service to get their organic and natural food, supplements and beauty products. She plans to offer the services for as long as they’re needed.
“It is for everyone, but primarily for our high-risk customers,” she said of the services. “It’s just to keep people a little bit safer if they don’t want to come in and touch the door handles or be close to other people, even though we are taking extra precautions and sanitation in the store.”
While there’s “not too much impact” on her stores yet, Gauvin says it’s important to support small local businesses.
“Support small businesses in any way that you can,” she said. “I know so many people in the community who are so stressed to close their doors, and they don’t know what their future is going to hold, and it’s extremely scary for them…Just thinking about [supporting] those businesses, especially when they do re-open.”
Other businesses are making similar offerings as Sequoia.
Woozles, a children’s book and toy store in Halifax, is also offering free deliveries.
“We offer a delivery service that is free of charge for customers within a 20-30 minute radius of the store. We are happy to bring your purchases to you, big or small,” the business said in a Facebook post.
“You can give us a call … to arrange one for you, or for a friend or family member in need. We really are quite happy to do this, so please don’t hesitate to ask, especially now.”
On The Vine, a grocery store in Saint John, announced a change to its schedule to allow those most vulnerable to shop with more comfort. The business is also offering free delivery for seniors this week for purchases of $50 and more.
“It’s been a crazy week so far, folks. In the midst of all this commotion, we NEED to stop and consider those that may not be able to run to every store and stock up as easily as the majority of us can. Take a moment and show some respect to our most vulnerable,” the shop said in a Facebook post.
“To that end, we will be dedicating our FIRST 2 HOURS of business (8-10am daily) to servicing seniors and those with disabilities. Starting Monday, March 16 and until further notice. #savetheboomers!”
Larger chains like Shoppers Drug Mart are making similar changes to their hours.
“Starting this week, Shoppers Drug Mart is dedicating the first opening hour of shopping at our stores to our customers who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people living with disabilities. We encourage you to check with your local store to confirm operating hours,” the company said in a Facebook post.
“Shoppers Drug Mart will also offer the 20% Seniors Day discount on regular priced items for the first hour each day every day. This is in addition to Seniors Days each Thursday.”