Southeastern Grocers to give associates a day of rest

Southeastern Grocers is looking to give its employees a day of rest by closing its doors on April 12 — Easter Sunday.

In addition to the day of closure, the Jacksonville, Fla.-based retailer will be following in the footsteps of several other grocers and implementing new precautionary measures, including limiting the number of shoppers entering the doors of select banners and conduct temperature checks for associates reporting for work.

“Southeastern Grocers is a people-first company, and our associates and customers are at the heart of our business. I am extremely proud of our associates who are going above and beyond to serve our customers. The decision to close on Easter Sunday was made to allow our heroic associates a day to rest and find comfort with their families,” Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said. “We are grateful for the kindness many of our customers have shown our associates. Now more than ever, we need to promote kindness to all of those who are on the front line striving to make our communities safer and stronger. Together, we will support our neighbors, and continue to provide the safest possible shopping environment for our customers.”

Associates also will be permitted to wear masks and gloves in all stores, the company will provide protective items where supplies are available, and install plexiglass partitions at all store registers, customer service desks, pharmacies and liquor store counters.

The retailer also is asking shoppers to maintain a two-cart-length distance throughout its stores and at the checkout by using the floor markers that encourage social distancing.

Aside from Easter Sunday, all of Southeastern Grocers’ banners will continue to close at 8 p.m.