Balducci’s COVID-19 Update

* This is a living document that will be updated on a regular basis until it is no longer needed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Balducci’s CEO Update and FAQs page.

March 19

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Message from the CEO of Balducci’s Judy Spires:

The COVID-19 pandemic is testing us all in seemingly impossible ways. I wake up each day knowing that a new development will thwart our best-laid plans. Our executive task force meets daily to address the urgent and medium-range issues facing our Balducci’s guests and associates. Here’s the latest:

Sanitation & Adjusted Store Hours: Beginning Sunday, March 22nd, we’re closing our stores earlier to give our team additional time to sanitize our stores and restock the shelves. Adjusted store hours are https://www.balduccis.com/locations. Quick reminder: our cashiers can type in your myBalduccis loyalty number so you won’t have to touch the keypad and they wipe down their registers regularly.

Supply: The merchant team is literally scouring the country to source product from new and existing suppliers to keep our shelves stocked with needed goods. But as you’re aware, we’re experiencing industry-wide challenges which are delaying deliveries. There could be times during the day when goods are unavailable. To be fair to everyone, we’ve had to limit quantities on some high-demand items as signage in stores will indicate.

Staffing: We are currently staffing up in a number of positions across the stores. In addition to supporting our current staff, we’re hoping that we’ll be able to help members of our community in the hospitality and retail sectors who are currently out of work. If you know of anyone who is looking for employment, please send them to us.

Senior & High-Risk Guest Hours: We’ve designated the first hour each day (Hours vary by store so please check HERE) for our seniors and immuno-compromised neighbors.  Please respect this time. If the first hour of opening is the only time you can shop, please consider delivery through delivery.balduccis.com

Supporting the health and welfare of our communities is now more important than ever. We’re launching the Feeding America Food Banks Check-Out Hunger campaign, where you can donate $1, $3 and $5; and 100% of your donations will benefit our local food banks including the Capital Area Food Bank, Connecticut Food Bank and Feeding Westchester.

Be assured that our guests have been respecting social distancing and keeping plenty of space between themselves and others while in store. We are monitoring all of our stores closely and will adjust policies as needed. If you haven’t already, subscribe to our social channels so you have all the latest news.  We’ll be updating the FAQs below as policies change and please feel free to call our customer service line if you have questions, 866.278.8866.

In the midst of all of these seemingly impossible challenges, our store associates are getting things done in absolutely heroic fashion and for this I am so grateful. We will continue to support them in every way possible.

Please take care and thank you for your patronage during this unprecedented time.

All my best,

Judy Spires

March 13

Considering the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, I wanted to update you on the precautions and practices that we are taking in our stores. Our Associates continue to follow the CDC guidelines for prevention to help safeguard themselves and you. Surfaces are continually being sanitized and our Associates are taking all precautions.

We are replenishing stock as fast as we can based on product availability from our vendors. This situation is changing on a daily—and sometimes hourly—basis. In order to provide as much of our inventory to all our guests and in accordance with state recommendations, we may have to limit purchases on household cleaners, toilet paper and health-related items.

We also offer online ordering at delivery.balduccis.com, and your order can be left at your door if you choose. To use this new feature, simply select “Leave at My Door” as part of your delivery options at checkout. You’ll receive a photo confirmation from your shopper once your groceries are delivered.

We are focused, now more than ever, on being the brand that has earned your trust and will continue to uphold the highest standards.

Please take care of yourself, your family and your community.

 

All my best,

Judy Spires

BALDUCCI’S FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES

The health and safety of our guests and associates is our number one priority. We assembled a multifunctional task force that includes key leaders across the organization who meet daily to ensure we continue to address all facets of this developing situation. We are actively working with our safety experts, vendors and suppliers to ensure that we can continue to offer you the freshest, specialty foods and meal offerings. We are monitoring CDC guidelines as well as industry groups daily, and will continue to update you.

The below FAQs represent our latest updates. Please direct any questions to our customer service team.

Q: What steps has Balducci’s taken to ensure their team members are following the CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of germs?

A: We have reiterated the CDC guidelines to team members in daily store management huddles, department meetings and company-wide communications, as well as in-store signage and the breakrooms. Additionally, we have gone above and beyond our stringent sanitation program to include additional checkpoints across the organization to enhance existing protocols. This includes increased labor hours dedicated to cleaning high-traffic areas, and wiping down carts, baskets and handles. We also offer online shopping and delivery for convenience.  For more details on COVID-19, news updates and preparedness, visit the CDC’s website.

Q: Are store hours changing?

A: Yes. Beginning Sunday, March 22nd, we’re closing our stores earlier to give our team additional time to sanitize our stores and restock the shelves. Adjusted store hours are HERE.  Please be advised that we’re dedicating our first hour of service for seniors and immuno-compromised guests.

Q: How will I be notified if my local store has been impacted?

A: The most efficient way is to follow our social channels, send an inquiry through balduccis.com/contact, or call (844) 259-3875.

If you do not receive our email newsletters, you can also sign up for our myBalducci’s program and newsletter: https://www.balduccis.com/my-balduccis

In the event a store has been impacted, we will also have signage at the front door letting our guests know what actions are being taken.  We will close the store for a thorough cleaning by a professional disaster relief cleaning service.

Q: Do I still need to use the PIN pad to enter a phone number for the myBalducci’s Gourmet Rewards?

A: If you prefer, our Associates will happily enter your phone number on the register for you.

Q: How can I help as a guest shopper?

A: We have temporarily suspended sampling, but please ask a team member if there is a product you would like to try.

Q: Is there a time for high-risk guests to shop?

A: We are reserving the first hour of shopping for our elderly and high-risk guests. Check here for your local store hours.

Q: Do you offer grocery delivery?

A: We offer grocery delivery through our partner, Instacart at delivery.balduccis.com. Like many grocery delivery services, we are experiencing a high demand which is impacting the standard same-day delivery times. You will see the available delivery windows in the check-out process.