Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the fall of 2019, companies have been scrambling to respond. This week both Aldi and Trader Joe’s have reached out to customers. Here’s what they had to say.
Aldi
NOTE: This email was released to customers from Aldi US CEO Jason Hart on March 12, 2020.
Dear Customers,
At ALDI, we know you rely on us as your trusted neighborhood grocery store. We truly value your continued loyalty and I’d like to let you know how we are ensuring we meet your needs during this challenging time.
Our teams are working diligently to keep our shelves stocked and we are continuing to react to the Covid-19 situation. In the midst of increased demand and challenging supply, we are focused on the products you are likely to want most: water, pantry staples, pre-made meals, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and more. To support as many customers as possible, you may see quantity limits placed on select items. We appreciate your patience as some of these products may be temporarily unavailable in some of our stores.
To help maintain a clean and safe environment for you and our employees, we are intensifying cleaning practices at all of our stores, offices and warehouses. We have dedicated more time to sanitization procedures, focused on the most common touch points. As an ALDI customer, your shopping experience may look a little different as we continue to navigate this difficult situation and we thank you for your understanding.
We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our team members each and every day. We are continuing to be in close communication with our team and are encouraging any sick team members to stay home. In addition, we are enhancing our sick leave policy to further support our employees and their families.
Again, thank you for being a loyal ALDI customer, and we look forward to continuing to serve you, your families and our communities.
Respectfully,
Jason Hart
CEO, ALDI U.S.
Trader Joe’s
Below is a press release from Trader Joe’s sent out on March 11, 2020.
To Our Valued Customers:
As the coronavirus COVID-19 affects our communities, our work as your neighborhood grocery store continues. We are vigilant; heeding all federal, state and local health advisories; and where it makes sense, adjusting efforts to safeguard the health and safety of our Crew Members and customers. To date, we have taken the following precautionary measures:
Continued Communication: We are closely monitoring the situation, and regularly providing all of our stores and Crew Members with the most up-to-date safety guidance, as recommended by the CDC and other health officials.
Offering Additional Paid-for Sick Time to All Crew Members: Crew Members have been asked to exercise increased precautions to safeguard their health and the health of their community, including staying home if they have any symptoms of illness or do not feel well. To better support each Crew Member in making community-minded decisions, we have made available additional paid sick time to all of our Crew Members.
Prioritizing Good Hygiene Practices: We are providing continuous reminders about good hygiene practices and supporting our Crew Members with necessary resources. For instance, ensuring every Crew Member at the registers has the opportunity to regularly wash their hands.
Increasing Routine Cleaning: In line with our longstanding commitment to provide a safe and clean shopping environment, stores have increased the frequency of cleanings, paying close attention to high touch areas such as restrooms, register areas, grocery carts and hand baskets.
Suspending All Food and Beverage Sampling In Store: As this situation has evolved, we have taken increased precautions related to our food and beverage sampling in stores, including our decision to stop the practice until further notice.
There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and Crew Members. We will continue to provide information about what steps we are taking to address this rapidly evolving situation.
– Trader Joe’s
