Under the proposed New South Wales reopening plan outlined by the state government, a raft of restrictions will be lifted on Monday 11 October for those who are fully vaccinated. This includes the re-opening of non-essential retail with stores able to operate at one person per 4sqm.
Ahead of re-opening its doors next week, JB Hi-Fi Group has advised that the health, safety and wellbeing of team members and customers remains the highest priority.
“We support government efforts to manage Covid-19 and plans to re-open the states and territories,” a JB Hi-Fi Group spokesperson told Appliance Retailer.
“Our position (JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys) at this time is that we will comply with all government requirements regarding mandatory vaccinations, but we will not impose additional vaccination requirements on our workforce or customers,” the spokesperson said.
Winning Appliances and Rogerseller showrooms in NSW will also be opening on Monday 11 October, in line with the NSW state government roadmap.
“With our company mission to deliver inspiration by providing the best experiences in the world, for the world – for our customers, our people, our communities and the planet, the health and safety of our team and our customers is a priority,” a Winning Group spokesperson told Appliance Retailer.
“In a commitment to the safety and health of our team and our customers, in line with NSW government mandates, all NSW Winning Retail team members working in our showrooms and customers entering our showrooms, are required to be fully vaccinated.”
As each Bi-Rite store is independently owned and operated, general manager, Abdul Kayum Sacur said it will be at their own discretion to follow local, state and federal advice around operations as they have always done.
“We are excited and grateful to see NSW reopening as of October 11. It has been extremely tough for the residents and business owners who simply have not been in a position that they can trade effectively, whether it is an appliance business, cafe or sporting venues, as well as having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of families,” he told Appliance Retailer.
“The state has done incredible to see vaccination rates hit 70% and we believe there will be a huge influx of sales over the next few months which will greatly assist in recovering from the downturn seen during the lockdown.”
Camera House is waiting to collate all the relevant state data and advice on the conditions around re-opening as it varies widely by state.
“When this information comes to hand, we’ll formulate a policy. In the meantime, we are dedicated to providing a safe environment for customers and staff alike,” managing director, David Burlew told Appliance Retailer.
Myer has outlined customer requirements when entering its stores from 11 October, in line with NSW health orders. This includes check-in via QR code at entry points (those who do not have smartphone can have a team member check them in) and showing valid proof of vaccination status confirming they are fully vaccinated. Customers will also need to wear a face mask for entry.
Myer will adhere to NSW Health directions for all team members to meet vaccination requirements and will continue with Covid safety measures including increased frequency of cleaning in stores, providing hand sanitiser to customers and staff, practicing physical distancing of 1.5 metres with clear signage, sneeze guards at registers and preference of contactless payments.
Customers who are not able to visit a Myer store can still shop online 24/7 for home delivery.
“We can’t wait to welcome our customers back into stores. In doing so, we will be adhering to the Government’s health orders to ensure the safest shopping experience for our customers and team members, which are in addition to the stringent measures we already had in place to protect our customers in store,” a Myer spokesperson told Appliance Retailer.
BIG W is looking forward to welcoming customers back in stores from Monday with Covid safe measures in place to ensure a safe shopping experience.
“We are complying with the NSW Public Health Order which requires that all customers over the age of 16 are fully vaccinated or have a medical contraindication certificate in order to enter and shop safely in our stores,” a BIG W spokesperson told Appliance Retailer.
“We have strict Covid safe protocols in place and following government guidelines, we will ensure we maintain one person per 4sqm, with limits on customers shopping in store at one time. Our teams are also required to follow the vaccination requirements as detailed in the NSW government roadmap.
“For those who are not yet fully vaccinated or for those who prefer to shop from home, shopping with us online continues to be an effective and safe way to get all your family needs. With a busy shopping season ahead, we do recommend our free contactless Pick up and Direct to Boot services for faster turnaround,” the spokesperson added.
For Kmart and Target stores, as of Monday 11 October, all customers in NSW will be required to show proof of full vaccination status or have a valid medical exemption to shop in stores, as per the NSW government health order.
“We ask for customers patience and support as we roll this new process out across our store network. In accordance with these requirements, all team members in our NSW stores will meet government vaccination requirements, unless they have a vaccination exemption,” a Kmart Group spokesperson told Appliance Retailer.
“We are committed to providing a safe environment for our team members and customers and look forward to welcoming New South Wales customers back into stores. We continue to follow government legislation and requirements as we have throughout Covid-19.”