We were excited to learn Melbourne’s gruelling 15-week lockdown was coming to an end, with retail and hospitality outlets allowed to reopen from 11.59pm on Tuesday.
But reopening in a way that maintains social distancing, and ensures the hard work isn’t undone, was always going to be a challenge.
To help get as many customers through the doors in the safest way possible, Kmart has implemented 72 new COVID safe processes in its 38 outlets across Melbourne.
Chief among these is a new online booking system, and the way it works is simple.
Customers go online and select their desired store and timeslot to receive a SMS confirmation and a link to click on arrival.
Once at the store, they click the link and receive another SMS which they present at the door – and then they can go for their life!
There were hectic scenes at some Kmart outlets that reopened at midnight on Wednesday, with crowds of customers reportedly queuing up outside the department store for hours.
But this new system should ensure some order remains in place.
“It’s been a long few months for all Melburnians and with Christmas on the horizon, we are looking forward to welcoming customers back into our stores,” said Ian Bailey, Kmart Managing Director.
We couldn’t agree more – buy yourself something nice, Melbourne, you deserve it!
