BJ’s limits in-store traffic to 20% of store’s total capacity

BJ’s Wholesale Club has joined other big-box retailers in limiting in-store traffic and implementing additional measures to support the health and safety of customers and employees during the current pandemic.

Starting April 4, the retailer will limit the number of members allowed inside its clubs at any one based on the square footage of each club. No more than 20% of a store’s total capacity will be allowed in the building at any given time. Also, when possible, all members are encouraged to send only one person per household to shop. 

BJ’s also has implemented new operational processes to encourage social distancing in-store, including: posting instructional signage throughout every club; dedicating employees to ensure members wait in line at an appropriate distance while checking out; and making overhead audio announcements.

Here are other actions BJ’s is taking:

•    Temperature Checks: In the coming weeks, BJ’s will begin to check the temperatures of employees as they report to work in all locations. All employees will enter through the designated employee entrance, regardless of start time. Associates with elevated temperature will not be able to enter and will be directed to return home and seek medical care if necessary.

•    Masks and Gloves: In the coming weeks, BJ’s will begin to make masks and gloves available, as supplies permit, to employees who want to wear them. BJ’s will provide high-quality masks, but will not provide N95 respirators, which should be reserved for healthcare workers.

•    Increased Wages: BJ’s previously announced that all employees in its clubs, distribution centers and home office will earn an additional $2 per hour for each hour worked. The company is extending this wage increase for hourly team members in its clubs, distribution centers and home office for each hour worked through May 2, 2020.

•    Closed on Easter: All BJ’s clubs will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 to give team members a day to rest and recharge.

This policy will help promote social distancing efforts and ensure a safer environment for members and team members.

“We deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of our team members and we value the trust and confidence that our members have in us to provide them with essential services during this challenging time,” said Lee Delaney, president and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’ve implemented significant new protocols to help promote a healthy and safe environment for members and team members. We will continue to take precautions following guidelines and recommendations from health experts and relevant federal and state agencies.”

BJ’s previously issued an emergency paid leave policy to support team members during this time and allow them to stay home if they’re experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms or are quarantined.

The BJ’s Charitable Foundation is committed to nourishing communities and helping families thrive. In addition to the previous $500,000 donated to support COVID-19 relief efforts, the retailer’s foundation will contribute another $500,000 to support hospitals throughout its footprint. In total, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation has contributed $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts, and BJ’s clubs have donated countless items to first responders, healthcare workers and nonprofits to help support their communities.