Focus on safer sampling in updated guidelines
Website Editor • June 2, 2020
Floor sampling on lecterns, tombolas and in pattern books emerge as a key challenge for flooring retailers to keep COVID-19 Secure as stores re-open to the public.
Latest Government guidelines, updated on May 25, adds new advice to: limit customer handling of merchandise, for example, through different display methods and rotation of high-touch stock.
While not addressing the unique issues of flooring store POS, the guidance highlights a key concern.
Multiple customers may handle pattern books and touch samples on point of sale displays. While textiles are not believed to transfer the virus easily, the threat still exists for up to 24 hours, and for smooth surfaces such as vinyl and laminates, and the handles and covers of all pattern books, the threat can exist for up to 72 hours.
As a result, The Stocklists has developed the following guidance for sampling, derived from advice from various sources:
- Sales assistants should allow customers to browse independently and not approach them around displays (to avoid compromising the 2m social distancing rule).
- Avoid the temptation to turn samples on lecterns and tombolas for the customer, unless they are prepared to view from the 2m distance
- Insist strictly that customers who intend to handle samples use sanitisers thoroughly on their hands before touching. And they should repeat the procedure during and after handling.
- Suggest the greater use of wall displays where possible and minimise the use of pattern books wherever possible
- Monitor and record each pattern book which has been handled so that their handles and covers can be sanitised after use
- Smooth surfaces on samples for LVT, vinyl, cushionfloor and laminates need special attention and each sample views should be sanitised after every customer
- Consider quarantining vinyl sample books for 72 hours after handling
- Standard cleaning wipes and baby wipes are not sufficient to cleaning these surfaces. A sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content is essential
- Do not allow customers to take books away from the store
More general information about safe re-opening can be found in our essential guide - click here
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