Aldi has started rolling out a new automated traffic light system at its entrances to control the number of shoppers going in and out of stores during the coronavirus outbreak.
The technology is being introduced nationwide this week following trials, replacing a manual system the retailer has used since the start of the crisis.
The red and green traffic lights above the door will signal when customers can enter stores based on limits that are in line with the government’s two-metre social distancing rules.
Priority access for NHS and blue light workers will remain in place.
The traffic light system will run alongside the current measures already in place at all Aldi stores to ensure social distancing. These include protective screens at checkouts, distancing markers on shop floors, sanitisation stations, as well as safety signage.
Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi said: “The protection and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority and this new system is an accurate and effective way to allow us to control customer numbers in stores.
“The system’s trial was well received by our customers and we will be gradually rolling this new social distancing measure out nationwide from this week.”
Last week, Asda revealed that it was trialling a ‘virtual queuing’ system as part of a longer-term solution for social distancing at its stores.
The system allows users to book a place in a virtual queue via their smartphones. They then wait in their car, avoiding the extended queues which have become commonplace across supermarket car parks, and be alerted when they are allowed to enter the store.
The new system has been trialled at Asda’s store in Middleton, near Leeds, and is expected to be rolled out across its wider estate in the coming weeks.
NAM Implications:
- Anyone sharing the idea that some lockdown steps are ‘permanent’?
- And this from a pragmatic retailer…
- Watch this space!
