Vermont Business Magaziner The Vermont Retail & Grocers Association is issuing an urgent call to action for all retailers remaining open to provide designated hours for vulnerable populations to shop or provide curbside delivery to ensure the safest condition possible for them to acquire the products they need.
Vermont’s retailers and grocers are taking extraordinary measures in these difficult times to provide for their customers’ needs, while also ensuring the safety and health of their employees and the public. Taking this action will further that effort as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“Vermont’s grocers, retailers and their teams are all stepping up – without hesitation – to do their part and meet the needs of families and communities during this challenging time. I ask all Vermonters to be kind to them and thank them for all they are doing,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I also really appreciate seeing so many grocers and retailers offering designated shopping times, or curbside pickup and delivery, for the elderly and others who are most vulnerable to Coronavirus. This type of service is an act of kindness that gives these vulnerable Vermonters much needed peace of mind, knowing they can shop with fewer people and a lower risk. We can all help protect them by respecting these designated times for vulnerable populations and using curbside pickup and delivery when it’s an option. It’s the right thing to do and we’re all in this together.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the grocery stores and their employees that continue to remain open for our communities during this pandemic,” said Congressman Peter Welch. “In difficult times like these we must do all we can to help our neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable to this disease. Thank you to our Vermont stores who are offering safe, designated times for the most vulnerable to shop for the essentials that they need. Remember, we are all in this together!”
We ask that the public fully respect these designated times for vulnerable populations. It is critical that the most vulnerable among us are offered the opportunity to shop without an increased threat of infection.
“We are extremely proud of the enormous efforts retailers and grocers are undertaking to provide our communities with the goods and services they need. Business owners and employees are on the front lines of this pandemic and doing everything they can to protect the public and themselves while offering products that are critical to the well-being of our communities,” said VRGA President Erin Sigrist. “We strongly urge all stores to offer safe, designated times for vulnerable populations to shop, and for the public to honor them.”
You can find a list of businesses here that we have compiled that are providing designated hours, providing drive-up or delivery services. Vermont’s retailers need your support as they continue to serve all of us.
To learn more about the work VRGA does, visit their website at www.vtrga.org, follow them on Facebook & Twitter, call the office at (802) 839-1928 or visit them at 963 Paine Turnpike N, Berlin, VT 05602.
About Vermont Retail & Grocers Association:
The Vermont Retail & Grocers Association represents approximately 800 Vermont retail stores and 250 suppliers to the industry, including members of the Vermont Specialty Food Association. VRGA is an association of merchants and trade partners united to promote the sustainable growth of the industry through the educational, economic and public policy needs of its members.
Source: MONTPELIER, VT -- Vermont Retail & Grocers Association 3.21.2020