UPDATE: Polly’s, Meijer and Kroger Make Adjustments in Response to Coronavirus Emergency

Empty shelves in the paper goods and toilet paper aisle at the East Michigan Avenue Jackson Meijer store this weekend.  JTV Photo.

(UPDATED March 16, 2020 11:05 PM)  Supermarkets in the Jackson area have been extremely busy this weekend and Monday.  All area major stores are making adjustments to keep up with demand and to ensure customer and employee safety.

Jackson based Polly’s Market and Polly’s Country Market is eliminating the salad bar and removing any un-packaged goods that can’t be washed by the consumer.  Donuts and bakery items will be pre-packaged and items like the olive bar and bulk foods will be temporarily unavailable.  The fresh produce departments are fully stocked and remain open. Items in the produce department can be washed at home by the consumer and will continue to be fully available.    

Todd Kennedy, Operations Manager and Meat Department Director for Polly’s told JTV today, “We have been extremely busy and our teams are operating 24 hours to keep up.  We have all trucks coming in from all suppliers and our warehouses are full.  We have no shortages due to supplier issues”.  Any shortages in stores currently are due to high customer demand.  “We are out of toilet paper at all stores until Monday, and two of our stores are out of milk and eggs”  Kennedy said.  “There are no issues with our milk and egg suppliers and we will be fully stocked in all stores by Monday”.

All meat departments are fully stocked and operational.  “We will continue to process meat and our supplies continue to arrive.  We grind and process fresh meats in all our stores and have no issues” he said. 

On Monday, Polly’s announced that beginning Wednesday, March 18, ALL stores will be closing at 10:00 PM so that they have more time to clean and stock. There will be NO changes to opening time at the current moment. 

Polly’s is currently looking to add staff to meet demand.  Today the Chelsea store appealed to laid-off restaurant and bar workers to come to the store and apply for positions.  There are openings for clerks, cashiers, dairy stockers, and baggers at the 1255 S. Main Chelsea location immediately. Apply in person to Corey Kennedy Tuesday morning between 8:30-10:30AM (Tuesday 3/17/20). Qualified candidates can start work immediately.  

Todd Kennedy noted store employees have been working to meet customer demand.  “Our team has been fantastic” Kennedy said.  “We take the health and safety of our associates seriously. We’re ensuring all work areas are sanitized on an increased schedule. We’re also reinforcing with our associates that they should stay home if they aren’t feeling well and we have plans in place to ensure they feel supported and confident to do so.”

“We are following the guidance of health experts, such as the CDC, in responding to this virus. While we take great pride in our high standards of store cleanliness and food safety, we’re redoubling our efforts to proactively sanitize our stores more frequently throughout the day, especially at our check lanes, and service areas.” Kennedy said.

Meijer announced they are suspending service at certain service areas such as meat counters and deli salads so that team members can prepare and package those items for sale in self-refrigerated cases. Meijer says store teams are working hard to make sure customers have the products they need.

Kroger has announced all stores will shift to 15 hour days rather than operating for 18 hours per day.  Kroger said it’s working with suppliers to restock shelves.  With new hours, staff will have more time to restock, Kroger said.

All Michigan Kroger stores will temporarily shift to 15-hour days rather than 18-hour days, operating from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. rather than 6 a.m.-midnight.

“Our supply chain teams continue to work to ensure that the food, medicine and cleaning supplies our customers need are reaching our stores as quickly as possible,” Kroger said in a statement.  “This change in service hours will allow our store teams to focus on stocking our stores with the fresh, affordable food and essentials along with cleaning and sanitizing supplies our customers are seeking for their homes and families.”

Store personnel at all supermarkets say the most in demand items are: bottled water, hand sanitizer, cold/flu products, household cleaning supplies, toilet paper, boxed dinners, soups, and at-home meal kits.

Kennedy said, “We’re working to secure additional quantities of items that families need most at this time, and we appreciate your patience as we do our best to keep our shelves stocked for you and your families. We do, however, request that you only purchase what you need in hopes that there will be items available to other customers who may need the same.”