Dear Community –
We’d like to tell you about the steps we’re currently taking at the store to address coronavirus (COVID-19). The well-being of our community is at the center of everything we do at the Durham Co-op, and we are currently taking every step possible to provide a safe and clean environment to serve you during this time of need, including:
Modifying Store Hours
We are open from 10am-8pm every day. This allows us more time to clean and sanitize the store and to stock our shelves without crowding the aisles. We will announce when we resume regular store hours.
Senior + High Risk Shopping Hours
Our modified store hours include Senior + High Risk Shopping Hours, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 9-10am. If these groups are applicable to you, you are welcome to visit the Co-op on these days and times. We will have a limited number of customers and staff on the sales floor in order to offer less crowded shopping.
Masks
All customers, 2 years and older, must wear a mask or face covering while visiting the Co-op. This will help keep everyone safe.
Closing our Service Counters & Modified Departments
We have closed the hot-bar, salad bar, and made-to-order sandwich counter. We will continue selling prepared meals and sandwiches in our Grab & Go cooler. We have also closed the espresso bar. Additionally, we will not refill our bulks bins until further notice in order to reduce the amount of high-touch surfaces in the store.
Canceling Events
All our weekly features, like Beer & Wine Tastings, $3 Dinners, and $5 Lunch Specials are cancelled until further notice.
Frequent Sanitation of High-Touch Areas
While we pride ourselves on having a clean store, we have increased the frequency of our cleaning procedures and added even more rigorous practices. We are frequently disinfecting high-touch areas in our store, including front end registers, handles, baskets, and carts. We have brought in a new cleaning company that is providing hospital-grade sanitation in our bathrooms.
We are encouraging hand sanitation for customers as they enter the store, and gloves are also available for customers upon request.
Trying to Keep Things on the Shelves
The store is restocked, and we are trying our best to keep ample supply of the items you need. As you can imagine, certain high-demand items may temporarily be out of stock, but we are working closely with our suppliers to replenish these items as fast as possible!
Maintaining Social Distance
Co-op staff are front-line workers, and safety of our staff and shoppers is a top priority. Please keep a few things in mind if you choose to visit the Co-op:
-If you are sick, please stay home
-Please keep a 6ft. distance from other customers when you’re in line at the registers. Have you seen our new little fruit friends on the floor? Find one to stand next to when you’re in line so we can all keep a safe social distance.
-We are limiting the number of customers shopping at one time to avoid crowded aisles as well as back ups at the front registers
-Give staff space and don’t congregate
-Paying with card is preferred over cash
-Limit your shopping trips
Staff Support
The Co-op’s ability to serve our community would not be possible without our staff. We’ve put various safety practices and financial provisions in place to ensure they are supported during this time.
We modified our hours and adjusted our stocking procedures so staff can be off the sales floor as much as possible when customers are present, limiting exposure. Plexiglass shields were installed at every register last week for cashiers. We are sanitizing regularly and providing access to personal protective equipment. We are providing staff with extra PTO, making sure they have what they need to stay home if necessary.
Thank you for your patience, consideration, and love for the Co-op. We are so grateful for your support. At the core of the Co-op’s mission is our commitment to making high-quality, nourishing food affordable and accessible to our community. We want to ensure that you all have access to the food and wellness items you need while providing as safe an environment for you and our staff as possible. We are working hard to keep products on our shelves and keep our stores safe to continue to serve you and your families. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates with you.
Thank you,
Leila Wolfrum
General Manager