While the coronavirus situation in Australia is serious, it is not at a level where the government has issued specific operational advice for businesses such as retail. Click here for their current advice. Fears relating to the virus are being expressed in shops and retailers have wondered how they might respond.
Retailers can take some steps to encourage confidence in those entering the business.
- Keep the counter clean and tidy.
- Wipe the counter down with anti-bacterial wipes several times a day.
- Have pump dispensers of anti-bacterial hand sanitiser easily accessible to customers and to team members.
- Remind team members to use hand sanitiser regularly.
- Ensure that any team members with a cold are not at work.
- Do not make jokes about the virus.
- Do not comment about customers who are wearing a face mask.
- If customers do comment about the virus, have a plan for discussion.
- Play cheerful music in-store.
- Consider hosting a fun event that plays to your strengths.
- Keep abreast of news about the virus.
- If any team members have recently returned from China, be aware of the 14 day incubation period and advice for schools that kids returning from China are advised to stay away.
- Preserve cash as cash will matter if this gets worse. Saving today by being frugal could be key to your business down the track.
While this list may seem like an over reaction, it is better to be prepared and proactive than needing to be reactive.
The Coronavirus is not something to seek to profit from.
Stay focussed on what your business is known for.
Good advice. I’m in Suburban Sydney near a station and have had plenty of comments.
I was at coolangatta airport as the plane disgorged Chinese passengers by the container load. Each had a mask but everyone moved aside like the parting of the sea