CICC introduces c-store specific best practices for retailers

During these unprecedented times, convenience stores are standing out as integral players in helping Canadians deal with the impact of COVID-19.

In addition to ensuring customers have the products and services they need, keeping customers and employees safe and healthy is paramount.

• Put up a sign instructing customers not to come into the store if they are unwell or if they have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days.


• Encourage social distancing for when customers are in the store.

ENHANCED CLEANING

• Increase cleaning of surfaces touched by customers and employees, such as:

1. Front counter area/cash


2. PIN pad at cash


3. Cooler door handles


4. Store interior and exterior door handles

• Surfaces should be cleaned at least twice per shift and more often if possible


• In the event of a shortage of cleaning supplies, 1 teaspoon of bleach combined with 3 cups of water will make an effective cleaning solution.

CUSTOMER FACING SUPPLIES

• The counter should have hand sanitizer and alcohol-based wipes available for customer and staff use.

STAFF/CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS

• When possible, all staff should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water at regular intervals throughout their shift and should also use hand sanitizer frequently between hand washings.


• Many staff are wearing gloves to prevent the transfer of germs from customers.


• Customers are being asked, when possible, to pay with debit or credit cards.


• Staff are also being encouraged to ask customers to handle their payment card to reduce touchpoints.

SITES WITH SELF-SERVE COFFEE OR FOOD

• Coffee is an essential service for stores with front-line customers. Adjustments are being made by increasing sanitization of self-service handles of items like creamers. Similar adjustments being made for other beverages and slushies, some stores suspending temporarily.


• Self-serve food items are being converted to a full-serve model, pre-packaged or discontinued.


• Sites in British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are not permitted to have any seating available for customers and are strictly limited to take-out.

SITES WITH GAS

• Increase frequency of cleaning for PIN pad on fuel dispensers, handwarmer on nozzles and fuel pumps


• Consider requiring or at least encouraging pay at the pump.

For further information, visit the CICC website.