The COVID-19 pandemic poses an extreme challenge for society. Behaviour in public is currently being completely re-defined. Social distancing and reducing contact are two key concepts impacting daily life. This is a huge task for the retail sector. Employees and customers need to be protected in the best possible way while ensuring a quick and smooth shopping process. Workable solutions are required. As a long-standing partner of the retail sector, Wanzl has reacted promptly and is offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services.
Controlling the flow of people
Adhering to a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between people is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of infection. An effective customer guidance system is therefore necessary in particular at junction points such as checkout areas or advice counters. Queue management is easy and quick with mobile spacers such as those used at passport control or check-in at airports. Information boards clearly indicate the mandatory stopping points. In the area just before the cash desks, mechanical or electronic checkout barriers ensure strict maintenance of social distance, meaning that there will always be only one person at the checkout conveyor belt at a time. Entry to this area for the next customer is only released once the payment process has been completed – either by means of sensor technology or by the checkout staff pressing a button. For additional safety, a plexiglass screen separating customers and employees acts as a spit and sneeze guard. Be it due to lack of space or at peak times, some stores need to limit the number of customers in their stores at any given time. Video-based customer counting, information screens and automated entry options allow for a smooth process. Stereoscopic ceiling cameras record and count entering and exiting customers. Those waiting at the entrance are notified of the current entry status via the display. Once the maximum number of shoppers in the store has been reached, the doors only open again as soon as a customer leaves the store.
Maintaining hygiene
Besides social distancing, everyday and regular hygiene is of utmost importance. Wanzl offers a variety of products for quick cleaning, protected transport and easy disposal. The sturdy hygiene wipes dispenser makes disinfection wipes and a waste bin for used wipes available to customers. The service tower provides disposable gloves as well as information brochures and makes important information available via a board. Customers can obtain bags for hygienic removal and for the transport of fresh products as well as disposable gloves from the bag and glove dispenser. Hygiene is also a key aspect in the BakeOff 2.1 and BakeOff 3.0. Here, freshly baked goods are presented in an inviting manner, well protected from droplets behind glass panes. The BakeOff 3.0 also stands out with its fully closed hygiene flaps. In addition, a separate hygiene service is available for shopping trolleys, hand baskets and rolling baskets. Wanzl carries out the professional cleaning and disinfection of goods transport systems and, if required, their maintenance or repair using original spare parts.
Ensuring availability
The general increase in demand, in particular for certain product groups, requires solutions so that they can be presented in the best possible way in the store. Particularly popular product ranges can be placed in the store in large quantities flexibly and easily with mobile product displays. Outdoor sales shelters such as the Sigma Present and Alpha Present product ranges provide additional sales floor space. Of course, the retail sector staff must also be considered as the greater customer flow that accompanies an increase in demand requires a lot of the staff. Places of retreat are therefore vitally important. They offer tranquillity for relaxation and demonstrate appreciation. Wanzl plans and designs customised staff facilities that are appealing and safe.
