With the lockdown forcing business to relook the way they operate and conduct business, Karaglen SuperSpar has implemented an electronic shopping experience with a personal touch.
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The initiative, called Order, Pay, Collect, allows customers to shop almost from the complete safety of their homes.
The free service sees community members place their shopping order via phone or email, which can be paid for and collected from the store once ready.
Harry Karamichael, owner of the store, said the community’s response to the initiative has been positive.
“The service has proven to be very popular among the community as a safer and more convenient alternative.
“One shopper told us she felt like a celebrity having the goods brought to her car,” said Harry.
He said many shoppers have thanked the store for the service and on social media.
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The service, which operates from Monday to Sunday, gives shoppers the opportunity to place same-day collection orders between 10am and 3pm.
Orders need to be for R250 worth of products and can be collected until 5pm, but if placed after 3pm they can only be collected the following day.
As the service is a cashless system, bank cards will be needed to make the purchase.
Harry described the service’s success as one which has promoted the safety of shoppers and staff alike by reducing the number of shoppers visiting the store.
In addition to the electronic service, the store is adhering to the guidelines put in place during the lockdown.
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The number of shoppers allowed in the store is limited, sanitiser for hands is provided and perspex shieldd separate tellers and shoppers.
By the end of lockdown’s second week, Harry hopes to provide clear visors to his staff to assist with the prevention of the spread of the virus.
Harry said before the lockdown his staff were trained how to continue doing their job in the lockdown.
He explained that not only is the store following regulations provided by the SA government, but also the World Health Organisation.
“There was an incident where a shopper did not want to wait in lines; they were not allowed entry into the store.
“As a store, we still have the right to admit and deny entry.”
Harry highlighted that shoppers who do not follow the law and implemented preventative measures will be denied entry.
Another measure put in place by Harry is increased security at his facilities.
“These are uncertain times, community members want to feel safe.”
Although these are uncertain times, Harry encouraged community members to make the best of their situation.
Thank you to Natasha Pleass and Chantal Valencia Pereira for the lovely feedback <3 Our team really appreciate it! pic.twitter.com/pWydosA8wa
— Karaglen SuperSpar (@Karaglen_Spar) April 6, 2020
“During this time, we should work together on the common goal and work on what will be needed tomorrow.
“During your free time, instead of sitting around try to upskill yourself and think about the next innovation.
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“Tomorrow, as we had planned for it, has changed. Although the virus is an unknown enemy, it is not a war. Once everything is back to normal, we will need to carry on.”
Discussing his team, Harry said he has seen everyone come to the proverbial party.
“Everyone is working around the clock, from the cashier who gets home late to the security personnel who have to get up early.
“The staff are the true heroes, the brave people on the frontline risking their lives to help other community members.”
During the lockdown, Harry reminded community members to work together to beat the virus.
“In a way, I think the virus has taught us to be patient, humble and grateful not only for what we have, but for our loved ones as well.
“We will recover, but I think our future has changed.”
Looking to the future, Harry hopes to use an improved version of the electronic shopping service and introducing several other improvements.
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