I've been the designated shopper since this all started, as I still work it make sense for me to be the one shopping. I generally stick to Costco & Albertsons for all our needs. I see a lot of senior couples shopping together, I question it for their safety but I think they are scared, and used to being together through everything. Had one older man upset at a twenty something "kid" for not having a mask. The clerk was great in reminding him masks are not required, but encouraged and they have designated times in the morning for older adults, of course he didn't want to get up that early. Can't make everyone happy.
The problem in Washington State is our Governor likes to wave his magic hand and issue an ultimatum, but he never issues details. If he actually worked with the Grocery stores we might have some consistency in social distancing and safety guidelines. Instead we have disarray. He's waved his magic hand enough times that it's clear he really has no idea what he's doing. He just reads the headlines from the California papers and then repeats the headlines.
This past weekend required me to make runs to Fred Meyer(Kroger) and Lowe's. It was an eye opening experience and an exercise in frustration.
Some observations:
Costco gets an A+ for managed crowds and laying out clear expectations. Limited party size, even kids, and limited # in the store, they got rid of a lot of the extra 'stuff' so aisles are plenty big to get around in and the check out process is clear. But where they excel at is communication, they can see if you're new and they let you know how things are working. Staff manage the lines outside and let you know what not to expect to find in the store.
Albertsons gets a B, they have staff cleaning carts inside, limit how many are in the store, lines are spaced out. But their directional signage on the floor isn't followed and frankly doesn't make a lot of sense, there are even a couple aisles that have directional arrows for entrance on both ends (oops). Their failure, is their "sign" on the front door is in small type that slides with the door, next to impossible to read. If you want me to read the rules of the store spell it out briefly, in larger type and place it where I can actually read it. Plus is I'd say 70% of shoppers have masks and gloves.
Fred Meyer(Kroger) gets an D, they have 4 entrances and no idea if anyone was cleaning carts. They have wipes but only after you get your car, thankfully I'm gloved up. Store is still over stocked and no aisle markings, most the shoppers seemed to fail at social distancing. I'd say only 40% were masked/gloved, and not even all the employees were doing a good job. I have no desire to go back there.
Lowes F+ this place was truly a great example of how to fail when you think you are an "essential" business, which they made a big sign for, but they failed at protecting their customers. They've protected their checkers, and that's about it. Carts, no idea if they were cleaned or not. Masks & gloves? Maybe 10% of the people. They could learn from Costco how to clear things out so you move around, they had all the aisles stuffed with so much junk - typical Lowes, but right now it was not helpful. They get the + because they at least were trying to manage the 5 check out lanes.
Then there is
Amazon whic gets a C, while I understand why they are slowing shipping the fact is I wouldn't need to have gone to Lowes or Fred Meyer if they were not taking a week or two+ to ship products.