Buying online and picking up in store has become more and more common. But in this new reality, it’s more relevant than ever before. And it’s going through an evolution, as we speak.
As of Sunday, March 22nd, Best Buy is limiting its US stores to “contactless” curbside service, allowing only employees into its stores, according to a statement from the company.
Employees will deliver orders placed on the Best Buy website or via its mobile app to customers’ cars outside its stores. This is what’s called “Curbside Pickup”, and it’s the next big thing now when we don’t even step into stores.
In an email to customers, Best Buy wrote “if, for any reason, you didn’t order the product in advance and the product is in stock in the store, one of our employees will be more than happy to go get it in the store and sell it to you while you remain in your car.”
Best Buy has suspended its in-home installations and repair services. It’s product trade-in and recycling services have also been cancelled.
Additionally, the consumer electronics retailer acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic is causing a surge in demand for products that people need to work from home.
“We are seeing a surge in demand across the country for products needed to work or learn from home, as well as those products that allow people to refrigerate or freeze food.” – Best Buy, CEO Corie Barry.
Is Curbside Pickup Safe Though?
These crazy days, people are also ordering less, in fear of catching the virus from the product, the delivery person, or any other part of the supply-chain/last-mile.
Like many, television station and news site, WMAZ-TV, asked if the virus can be spread through the food if a food handler has the virus and doesn’t know it yet.
Dr. Lance Slade, a pediatrician who’s been tracking the COVID-19 outbreak closely, answered this question:
“That would be true if they didn’t use proper safety techniques,” he said. “At this point, everyone I’ve seen is wearing gloves. They’re using cleanliness, so the things that have always been in place by our restaurants should be correct. As long as they’re not sneezing or showing any symptoms along those lines.”
Following safety, hygiene, and health guidelines are particularly important for employees handing out deliveries. “They’re saying that you can be asymptomatic, or mild symptoms for, initial reports are, up to 80 percent of people. So, mild symptoms might be a little cold, or cough, or sore throat,” Slade said.
As long as you’re washing your hands, not coming to work sick, and following every safety precaution there is out there – this new pickup service should be safe.
The New Reality
Curbside pickup is becoming an increasingly popular option for customers amid Covid-19. If you’re a retailer with brick-and-mortar locations, this new trend is great for you. And notes such as the one below are gonna get more and more present in our lives, both as consumers and as marketers.
The note above is from City Hive, the leading omni-channel digital commerce and data platform in the beer, wine, and spirit industry. It’s happening, and if you’re in retail, you gotta pick it up!