Konzum, Croatia's largest retail chain, has stated that its stores and warehouses are adequately equipped, and enhanced hygiene and sanitation measures are being implemented in all shops, warehouses and administration buildings.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 13th of March, 2020, all of Konzum's warehouses and stores are well-equipped and supplies are stepping up, especially when it comes to groceries and products that customers are seeking the most during these circumstances, Konzum reports.
In this way, Konzum claims that it is fully prepared for increased demand across all of its stores and is taking all measures to respond to any future increase in demand.
"As we expect a further increase in purchases, we've stepped up to the mark and will continue to increase our product inventory. Our staff regularly will make sure the shelves are full and display the products, but we'd like to ask our customers for understanding and patience if some products aren't on the shelves at some point or another - this is only because we aren't getting them out onto the shelves quickly enough.
We focus on food and products that are currently in greatest demand, and some of them are additionally exhibited in store corridors, to make them even more accessible to customers. We're taking all possible measures so that our customers can procure whatever they consider necessary at the moment,'' stated Slavko Ledic, CEO of Konzum.
Konzum's supply chain in Croatia and abroad remains functional
Konzum's supply chain is also functioning well in these moments of growth of demand and all warehouses are well equipped, with additional increases. When it comes to delivering goods from areas such as Italy, Konzum has introduced additional controls on the process of importing goods and continues to follow the recommendations of the competent institutions. In the case of delivery restrictions from one or more countries, there are sufficient supplies of products to be able to continue to operate smoothly.
"In order to provide customers with the necessary supplies in the event of restrictions or interruptions in delivery from vulnerable countries, we're constantly looking for alternative sources of supply. We're placing the greatest emphasis on cooperation with Croatian suppliers, which has been a strategic priority in our operations from the very beginning, as well as in this current situation,'' said Slavko Ledic, CEO of Konzum. Croatian products account for more than 75 percent of Konzum's overall traffic, and in some fresh categories such as fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and bakery products, that figure rises to more than 80 percent.
Konzum has enhanced its safeguards to protect both customers and employees
In all Konzum shops, warehouses and in the administrative building, all preventive protection measures have been taken in accordance with the recommendations of the competent institutions. Thus, in addition to regular hygiene and safety procedures, enhanced hygiene and sanitation measures are being implemented in the supply chain, in shops and offices, as well as the regular disinfection of cash registers, equipment and POS devices.
In order to further protect the safety of both customers and employees, an operational crisis management team has been set up, whose members are available at any time of the day and in a very short time if needed. Procedures and instructions have been prepared for dealing with various possible coronavirus-related scenarios for employees across all stores, warehouses and office buildings.
"Consumers are at the forefront of the safety and health of customers and employees, and therefore we've introduced additional preventative measures to ensure that our customers can safely and seamlessly make their purchases. We'll continue to monitor the situation to respond appropriately should new circumstances arise that would require additional action,'' noted Ledic.
Online shopping
Online shopping is experiencing a huge increase in orders, and Konzum is taking every step possible to simplify the purchase and delivery process for customers and employees and to open as many delivery times as possible.
An additional update was made on Konzum's website to make the whole system function even under greater pressure. The focus is on the products most sought after by customers, but all major product categories are still covered. However, due to the increased number of orders, the Pickup service is not yet available, and the estimated delivery time currently stands at seven days. A number of new Delivery and Drive terms open every day, and Konzum would like to thank all of its customers for their understanding and continued patience.
Konzum has closed its comments by stating that it is constantly monitoring the further development of the situation as a company and it is ready to take additional measures in line with new information as and when needed.
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