Customers waited up to 45 minutes before entering Marshalls on their re-opening day.
The store opened at 11 a.m. yesterday with a line up of customers eager to get inside and shop. A sign posted on the door to Marshalls limited the capacity to 93 customers at a time.
Store manager Pamela Sumoazinho circulated both inside and outside the store to ensure customers were practicing social distancing rules.
“We’ve been at capacity since we opened,” stated Sumoazinho. “We’re pretty busy, but everyone’s been in good spirits so far.”
The store’s reopening was delayed due to health and safety training for the staff the week prior.
New procedures for Marshalls' staff include proper use of PPE and the promotion of social distancing.
The store is also equipped with new directional arrows and dots on the floors, outlining where customers can shop in safe distances.
“We only have two cash registers open,” explained Sumoazinho. “This is to help space out customers at the tills.”
All staff are mandated to wear a mask and gloves at all times, and Plexiglass shields are installed at both registers.
“Customers have been very understanding,” noted Sumoazinho.
A statement from Ernie Herrman, CEO and President of the TJX Companies, Inc. which manages all Marshalls locations, outlined many changes the stores underwent to operate safely.
“We are following newly established health protocols, providing personal protective equipment, and implementing social distancing working practices,” read part of the statement by Herrman.
The TJX Companies, Inc. also oversees HomeGoods, Sierra, Winners, HomeSense, and TJ Maxx where similar safety measures are also being implemented.
With over 85+ Marshalls retail stores Canada-wide, TJX assured its associates and customers they want everyone to feel “confident” upon their return to the stores.
If you are heading out to the Bradford Marshalls this weekend, be patient and give yourself an hour to wait outside the store before being allowed in to shop.