Slovenian retailers are adjusting to the recent measures implemented to contain the coronavirus epidemic in the country by reducing their opening hours or even restricting the number of customers allowed inside a store at the same time. Moreover, they are encouraging shopping online.
Retailers Hofer, Lidl, Spar and Tuš have announced that their opening hours will be cut short as of Tuesday. Some of them are also planning to limit the number of customers allowed to shop at the same time to protect the shoppers as well as employees. The latter measure will be imposed in line with the government’s guidelines.
Hofer stores will be open from 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and between 8.30am and noon on Sundays until further notice.
The retailer has said that its supply chain is operating without any major disruption, adding that Hofer has been working on restocking after sales have increased in the past few days amid coronavirus concerns.
Meanwhile, Lidl stores will be open from 8.30am until 6pm Monday to Saturday and between 8.30am and noon on Sundays as of tomorrow. Today, Lidl shops will close at 6pm as well.
As of Tuesday, consumers will be able to shop at Interspar centres from 10am until 6pm Monday to Saturday and between 9am and 3pm on Sundays. Spar shops will be mostly open during the same business hours, with those generally open on Sundays operating between 8am and noon.
Tuš will reduce its store hours as well – Monday to Saturday between 9am and 6pm, and from 8am until noon on Sundays.
On the other hand, retailers Mercator and Jagr have decided not to change their opening hours due to the epidemic for now.
All retailers have called on the customers to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metre from people and follow all the related prevention steps, such as using hand sanitisers and protective gloves.
Shops are also urging their customers to shop online. However, cash payments are mostly not allowed, nor is in-store pick-up.
Most online retailers, such as Mimovrste and Moje-lece.si, are thus calling on their clients to pay online and get their purchase delivered to their home.
Postal services operator Pošta Slovenije will remain delivering packages and is calling on its customers to accept the items without any physical contact at pre-arranged spots.
GLS parcel service has also set up alternative ways of delivery, taking precautions such as outdoor delivery and keeping the 1.5 metre distance.