Meijer removes popular kid’s ride as part of COVID-19 store safety measures

Meijer is taking extra safety measures in its stores amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The retailer is joining Walmart, Kroger and other retailers in installing plexiglass sneeze shields at all its check lanes. The shields will be installed beginning next week at Meijer’s 248 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

Meijer is also temporarily removing its popular coin-operated children’s ride, Sandy the Pony, from the front end of its stores.

Here are other steps that Meijer has taken to ensure its stores are as safe as possible.
•    Marked X's on the floor 6 ft. apart in areas where customers may congregate, such as lines for check lanes, pharmacy and service desk counters. 

The retailer said it is also verbally reminding customers to stand on the X's when waiting in any lines, and suggesting customers use the length of their shopping carts to gauge appropriate distance from others where there aren't marked X's on the floor.

•    Suspended the use of reusable bags by customers in its stores unless the bags are being used for the retailer's shop & scan program.

•    Discontinued accepting beverage containers for return at its Michigan stores.

Last week, Meijer unveiled adjusted hours of operation to allow its employees to safely sanitize and restock the store. Meijer is now open from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Stores are open exclusively from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. to senior citizens and customers with chronic health condition. Essential workers and Meijer employees can also take advantage of dedicated shopping times, which are Mondays and Wednesdays during the 7 a.m.-8 a.m. hour.