* 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 Caraluzzi’s Store Alerts update page.
On March 17, Caraluzzi’s instituted shortened store hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., until further notice. The next day they instituted adjusted store hours of 6:30am – 7:30am for seniors only (65 and older).
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, our customers should know we’re going above and beyond in our efforts to provide a clean, safe shopping experience. In order to provide some answers to pertinent question we’ve created a frequently asked questions list. While we realize these are challenging times, we would like to assure our community that we are dedicated to providing the same exceptional quality and service we’ve been known for.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What steps have you taken to limit risk to your customers and sales associates?
We are sanitizing our stores throughout the day and heavily after closure each night including all customer and employee areas. All in-store food sampling has been canceled. Our Cafe seating area is temporarily closed, and we’ve have eliminated self-serve bakery and prepared food areas.
How often are you receiving deliveries?
We are receiving unprecedented levels of deliveries, however delivery times have been inconsistent and unfortunately we cannot provide specific times or make commitments. Please note that quantities may be limited or out of stock on high-demand products for an undetermined period of time. While we may not have the variety of items you normally may be used to, we are working tirelessly to make sure there are key items available in all departments including fresh products such as dairy, meat, and produce.
I just ended chemo/have a disorder or are immunocompromised – when can I shop?
We have modified our store hours to provide our seniors, immunocompromised, and other at-risk customers a chance to shop early, in a less crowded environment. These customers are welcome to shop 6:30-7:30 daily. For others, please be respectful and reserve this time for them.
Do you offer pickup or delivery services?
We currently do not offer pickup or delivery services at this time….
Are you limiting quantities?
To ensure we have enough key products and to minimize out of stock items, certain products have a purchase limit. These items are indicated by in-store signage on the shelves and may change as circumstances evolve.
Have you changed your store hours?
We have modified our store hours to allow time for additional replenishment and extensive sanitation. Additionally, to provide our senior customers a dedicated shopping time. Our store hours are now 6:30am-7:30am daily for seniors and at-risk customers only, and 7:30am-8:00pm daily for everyone.
Are your sale prices still in effect?
While we’re honoring our sale prices, please note that quantities may be limited or out of stock for an undetermined period of time. We appreciate your understanding and please know that our exceptional team of associates are focused on providing the key products to you and the rest of our community!
Are you accepting product returns?
At this time, we have instituted an All Sales Are Final policy. For everyone’s safety we do not want to take any outside product back into our stores. We are not accepting returns or exchanges. Please be smart about our purchases and understand these are unprecedented circumstances.
Are you still offering chef prepared meals?
At this time our kitchen staff is still cooking up fresh chef prepared meals every day. Our Hot Food selection has been cut back a bit but we still have an extensive selection of packaged heat and serve chef prepared soups & meals.
What specifically are you doing to keep your stores clean?
We have initiated several incremental sanitizing efforts throughout the store including but not limited to:
- Stores have added dedicated staff traveling throughout the store all during business hour wiping down contact surfaces such as handles, scales, carts and handbaskets, countertops, sneeze guards & bathrooms.
- Our checkouts have increased the frequency of wiping down the belts, bag wells, writing stands and credit card pin pads.
- We have several other efforts in play that may be addressed in other FAQ’s
Do you accept bottle & can returns?
For the safety of our associates and others, at this time we have suspended accepting bottles and cans in our redemption center machines and inside the store. For a list of open redemption centers please visit the CTDEEP website.
What can our customers do to help keep the stores safe?
- Wash your reusable tote bags at home before you bring them into the store. Some states have banned reusable tote bags which is not the case in CT at this time but we ask that customers be responsible and wash them on their own.
- Avoid touching or leaning on the display cases such as the deli, kitchen, bakery or meat service cases.
- At checkout if using cash or checks please just place it on top of the writing stand instead of handing it directly to the cashier.
- Be respectful of everyone’s desire for social distancing. Make an effort to give other customers and employees some distance while in the store.
- Practice common sense – For everyone’s safety, if you have a cough or are not feeling well, please do not come inside the store. Ask a friend or family member to shop for you while you wait in the car.
- Respect Our Employees – these hard working people (many are working around the clock) are here trying to provide food and other products not just for you but our entire community.
- Handling demand at an unprecedented level for what has been weeks now and without them our stores would be unable to be open for you. Please keep that in mind while you shop.