Gap outlines strategic plan for store re-openings

Gap is working with local government, led by health official guidelines, and in partnership with RILA and industry peers, to open its stores when and where it is safe to do so.

“In working with industry partners and public officials to define Safe Shopping practices, we are eager to begin welcoming our teams and customers back to our stores, and confident in our ability to safely scale North America openings over the coming months in line with local guidelines,” said Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc. “We continue to use this crisis as an opportunity at every turn. As we leverage our stores as distribution hubs, lean into the meaningful acceleration of our online business and play forward the learnings from our Asia business where all locations are now open, we believe we’ll be well-positioned as this crisis subsides.”

“As customers’ lives have shifted, so have the ways we’re meeting their needs. In addition to 1,000 Ship from Store locations, Curbside Pickup is available in 75 locations to provide our customers a comfortable (contactless) and seamless customer experience and we have plans to expand both programs in the coming months. We know customers’ needs have and will continue to change as things evolve, so our teams are monitoring and adjusting to meet them where they are, said Gap in a press release.

“As we adapt to this new normal together, we are prepared to deliver customers a shopping experience that supports the health and safety of our communities, with the brands that they love and trust. Here are the steps we’re taking to bring our customers confidence during this time:

Implementing rigorous cleaning routines throughout each store and providing hand sanitiser stations at our front doors and cash wraps and temporarily closing fitting rooms

Supplying all team members with high-quality, reusable face masks to wear during their shifts and encouraging customers to wear a face covering while shopping

Installing plexiglass health guard partitions in front of registers and for mobile payments

Posting signage throughout the store encouraging customers to observe social distancing guidelines

Opening with reduced hours and actively monitoring the flow of customers in stores

Temporarily closing restrooms and quarantining returns for 24 hours before putting them back on the salesfloor?

Ensuring teams follow healthy hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing/sanitising and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms before heading to work with a provided health checklist.”

ALCHEMPro News Desk (PC)