Friday 20 March 2020

Compiled List Of Businesses Making Positive Changes During The Pandemic

Apple
As of Friday, Apple is temporarily closing all retail stores outside of Greater China until March 27. Previously, the retailer told retail workers to refrain from encouraging customers to try on popular tech gadgets like the Apple Watch and Air Pods in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the company is allowing hourly employees, including retail workers, to take unlimited sick leave should they have coronavirus-like symptoms.
So what now? You can still shop online at Apple.com or through the Apple Store app.
AT&T
Amid growing coronavirus concerns and employers, schools and institutions mandating work-from-home policies, AT&T is lifting overage fees and removing internet data caps for home broadband internet users.
So what now? At this time, AT&T stores are still open, “unless there are unique local circumstances.” You can also access AT&T’s online store and additional resources.
Comcast Xfinity
With more and more people being encouraged or mandated to work from home, Comcast is offering its Essentials internet service free for 60 days for new qualifying customers. Made for lower-income families, the plan—which normally costs $9.95/month—will also increase its speed from 15/2 MBPS to 25/3 for all new and existing customers, and will stay that speed moving forward.
Comcast is also pausing its data plans for 60 days, giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge. Also, for those with school-age students at home, Comcast has created new educational collections in partnership with Common Sense Media. Just say “education” into your X1 or Flex voice remote. Learn more.
Costco
The major retailer has suspended the distribution of free food samples at its stores.
So what now? Costco offers same-day grocery delivery in most metropolitan areas or two-day delivery on non-perishable food and household supplies.
CVS
The drugstore announced that it will help facilitate COVID-19 testing in secure areas of parking lots at select stores—not inside. Individuals tested will not have to leave their cars. The company will share more news when it’s ready.
So what now? You can still shop in-stores or online at CVS. One- to two-day delivery is available at almost all CVS Pharmacy locations. Delivery within hours is currently available in most markets (called “on-demand delivery” at checkout). Options available in your area will be displayed during checkout.
Glossier
In an effort to protect customers and employees, the beauty retailer is closing all temporary and permanent store locations until further notice, effective immediately.
So what now? Load up on all of your favorite Glossier products online.
To support parents trying to keep kids busy at home, KiwiCo has launched a resource hub with tons of stay-at-home educational activities for every age, tips from teachers on effective remote learning, and kid-friendly science content, such as an explanation of handwashing. KiwiCo will add new content and resources to the hub regularly.
So what now? Get to crafting and learning with the kids!
Macy’s
Macy’s has put in place enhanced cleaning measures, including hiring more cleaning staff to work during open hours to clean highly trafficked areas and hard surfaces more frequently. The company has also enacted an emergency leave and pay policy, ensuring that employees will receive compensation should they be infected with COVID-19 and required to self-quarantine for two weeks.
So what now? Shop online at Macy’s, and consider choosing “Free Pickup In Store” at checkout—it’s available on most items and will lessen your time roaming around the floors. You can also look for items with the Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery icon by them if you need something now and don’t want to go in-store.
New York Magazine and the New York Times
Both publishers are removing the paywall for COVID-19-related coverage so that readers can stay informed on the escalating outbreak.
So what now? Stay informed and consider subscribing long-term to these publishers, so you can support journalism.
Postmates
Weekdays from March 12 through 31, Postmates is reducing delivery fees by half for all orders of $10 or more between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time. The delivery service is also offering an option for customers to receive their items with no contact upon delivery.
So what now? See what’s available on your local Postmates, from groceries to alcohol. This can be a great way to keep supporting local businesses and restaurants.
Reformation
The sustainable clothing brand is shuttering all stores for the time being and giving retail employees paid time off.
So what now? You can still buy stylish finds online at Reformation in the meantime.
Scholastic
While schools are closed, the public educational company Scholastic has set up a ‘Learn From Home’ website with four categories: PreK and Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6+. Each section is equipped with one week of content for students with 15 additional days on the way.
So what now? Start enjoying the daily learning experiences, which are built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with families or with teachers.
Seamless
The food delivery service is offering “contact-free delivery” at checkout for the safety of customers and drivers. In addition, the company is deferring commission fees for impacted independent restaurants as well as matching all of their promotions in order to help make their investments more effective and weather the current situation. A new Seamless Community Relief Fund will also use all Donate the Change contributions from customers to support drivers and restaurants impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
So what now? Save on food delivery and takeout with Seamless promo codes and coupons.
Sephora
While stores will remain open, Sephora is suspending all paid in-store services including makeovers, skin care applications and classes for the time being. The company is also waiving standard shipping fees on all orders through the end of March when you use the code FREESHIP at checkout.
So what now? Shop online and be sure to use that FREESHIP code at Sephora’s checkout!
Starbucks
Starting March 15, Starbucks is moving to a “to go” model in all company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada for at least two weeks. The company is also halting the use of all seating, including both the cafe and patio areas. Starbucks has temporarily suspended the use of reusable cups at all locations worldwide. The company says it will still honor the 10-cent discount for customers who bring in a personal travel mug or tumbler, though they won’t be able to use them.
So what now? You can still walk up and order at the counter through the “order ahead” feature in the Starbucks app, via the drive thru or use delivery.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot is stepping up cleaning and sanitizing practices across all locations, and have paused all in-store workshops and other large gatherings. To best serve as many customers as possible, Home Depot has implemented a purchase limit of 10 face masks per person.
So what now? You can either shop in-store or online at The Home Depot—with options to buy online and pick up in store or utilize same-day delivery. Save with cash back from RetailMeNot.
Trader Joe’sThe popular grocery store has suspended free food and beverage samples at stores nationwide. In addition, the chain has adjusted its sick leave policy in response to the outbreak to allow reimbursement for employees who stay home due to symptoms. Starting Monday, March 16, and until further notice, all Trader Joe’s stores will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., “to support our Crew Members in taking care of one another and our customers.”
So what now? You can still shop in-stores at Trader Joe’s—or look into delivery-service options. Just keep in mind the shortened store hours.
U-Haul
In an effort to aid college students affected by the outbreak in the U.S. and Canada, U-Haul is extending its 30 days of free self-storage for new customers with a college ID at U-Haul-owned and -operated facilities. The policy, that is usually only extended to communities that have been impacted by a natural disaster, will mark the first time U-Haul is offering the deal company-wide.
So what now? Take advantage of that free storage!
Whole Foods
The grocery chain is taking several measures in response to COVID-19. In addition to suspending free food and beverage sampling and beauty and body care product testing, the company is also working to expand free two-hour grocery delivery services to Prime Members and door drop services from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market.
So what now? Shop in-store or arrange delivery online—and save with a Whole Foods promo code.

No comments:

Post a Comment