NACS launched a retailer survey in late March as COVID-19 began to wreak havoc on the convenience industry. Results from more than 100 retailers around the country showed that the coronavirus was fast changing how retailers ran their businesses—particularly when it came to the safety of employees and customers.

Some retailers installed plexiglass shields in front of the cashier or put a table in front of the cashier as a buffer. To remind customers (and employees) about the importance of social distancing, some retailers placed tape on floors or put up signage. More frequent reminders to staff about cleanliness and site safety, increased cleaning protocols or having stores professionally cleaned and sterilized each week were tactics adopted by several stores.

To keep cashiers safe, one retailer used timers to alert employees about hand-washing frequency. Other retailers supplied gloves and masks to employees.

Many locations shut down self-serve including coffee, condiments, roller grill, bakery, fountain (including refills) and other foods. On the forecourt, retailers launched assisted service for fueling, especially for the elderly, or went to full-service fueling. Latex gloves also were offered at many locations for customers filling up their own tanks.

For results of the entire survey, visit www.convenience.org/coronavirus.

What procedures have you implemented at your stores?
(select all that apply)

Source: NACS Retailer Survey, March 2020