Lidl Ireland introduces Covid-19 queue management system
An automated traffic light and monitor signals to shoppers when they can proceed through the entrance based on individual customer limits
Print28 May 2020
Lidl Ireland is introducing a new Covid-19 queue management system designed to control the number of customers entering and exiting the store at any one time, in order to maintain social distancing during busy periods.
The innovative software controls an automated traffic light and monitor that signals to shoppers when they can proceed through the entrance based on individual customer limits that are in line with social distancing guidelines.
Following a successful trial in five stores across three counties, the technology will be rolled out to a further three stores in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Birr Co. Offaly and Caherdavin, Co. Limerick initially, with the view to introducing across the country in the coming weeks. The trial stores involved were Main Road Tallaght and Greenhills (Dublin); Leixlip and Celbridge (Kildare) and Dunshaughlin (Meath).
Priority access for elderly shoppers, from 9am to 11am daily, as well as healthcare workers will remain in place. The new queue management system is in addition to a number of protective measures Lidl has steadily introduced since March including social distancing signage and in-store announcements, hand and trolley sanitation stations, Perspex protective screens and face coverings, increased cleaning and the provision of protective equipment for all employees.
“Lidl are delighted to introduce this new automated system to our stores,” said Alan Barry, director of central services, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.
“As the most reputable food retailer* in Ireland, the health and safety of our customers and employees continues to be our top priority,” Barry added. “We continue to focus on ways to make our customers shopping trip safer and easier, as the Covid situation continues to impact on all our daily lives. In addition to trials such as this automated queuing system we recently introduced a WhatsApp chatbot which helps customers identify quieter times to shop with us. At Lidl, we’ve worked around the clock to consistently develop and execute a range of innovative measures to ensure everyone who enters our stores is as protected as possible and has a pleasant shopping experience with us.”
Yesterday, ShelfLife also reported on Tesco’s introduction of queue management technology, as shown below. It will certainly be interesting to see how retailers in Ireland continue to lead the way with innovative new safety measures as the ‘Roadmap to Reopening’ continues in the weeks and months ahead.
*(Source: Most Reputable Food Retailer in Ireland as per the recently released Ireland 2020 RepTrak report)
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