Our Response to Covid-19
As the Coronavirus (Covid-19) affects communities across Canada and the world, we want to update you on what we are doing at Choices Markets in response to the ongoing uncertainty. As a health-focused food retailer, our number one priority is to keep our customers and our team members safe.
We are following all federal, provincial and local advisories and adopting new procedures as needed to keep our store environments safe. We want to assure you that we have a comprehensive plan in place that is continuously updated as events unfold to address the situation. We are also taking the following precautionary measures:
• Increasing Routine Cleaning: Stores have increased the frequency of cleaning, paying close attention to high touch areas such as restrooms, cash register areas, grocery carts and hand baskets. In addition to routine measures, we have stopped accepting personal reusable cups and containers in our Deli area.
• Team Member Support: All our employees have been instructed to exercise precautions to safeguard their health and the health of their community. This includes staying home if they have any symptoms of illness or have been around anyone exhibiting symptoms or travelling from an affected country.
• Reinforcing Good Hygiene Practices: With guidance from health authorities, we are emphasizing hygiene practices which we know are a front line defense for any illness.
• Cancellation of Events and Seminars: Due to an abundance of caution for the safety and health of our customers, staff and partners, we have made the decision to cancel all of our events and seminars and will not be scheduling any events until further notice, including our popular Project Chef Kids Camp. Refunds have been issued for those who have already paid. Certain seminars will be offered online via video conference. Information about upcoming online seminars can be found on our Community and Events page as well as in our monthly newsletter.
As always, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe environment for our valued customers, especially during these times. We strive to provide the best experience in our stores and appreciate your understanding if your experience at Choices Markets looks or feels a bit different as we manage through this situation.
Sharing What We Have
We want to ensure our local communities are able to get the food and supplies they need and keep our customers and staff safe during these unprecedented times. We are working around the clock to keep our shelves stocked and our stores clean. More importantly, we are going to make sure we stay up and running to meet your needs and are confident we have processes in place and government support to do that. During this time, please note we are reserving the right to limit quantities per household and unfortunately will not be offering any rain checks.
We also promise we have not – and will not – raise prices for the purpose of taking advantage of the current situation. As always, we are here to support our local communities.
Protecting the Vulnerable
For the first hour of the day, all Choices Markets locations offer preferred shopping to our customers who need assistance or extra consideration, including seniors and those living with disabilities. We welcome all customers but hope that preference will be given to those with special needs for the first hour we are open.
Our stores open at 8:00am with the exception of Kits on West 16th Avenue, which will open at 7:00am.
To all customers, please maintain social distancing practices while shopping at Choices by keeping at least 2 metres between yourself, fellow shoppers and our employees. We understand that these practices can be inconvenient, but please be mindful that these guidelines are in place to protect the more vulnerable people in our community.
Thank you for your continued support.
