LAVAL, Quebec — In addition to its work-from-home policy and increased sanitation efforts, Circle K has installed preventive barriers and social distancing markers in stores to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The clear barriers separate customers and clerks at the register and protect against coughs, sneezes and other potential exposures, Circle K said. The social distancing markers have been placed at the checkout line to emphasize how far to stand away from other people.
"I know these are stressful, difficult days as we see the effects of this global pandemic on our lives, workplaces and neighborhoods,” said Brian Hannasch, president and CEO of Laval, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the parent company of Circle K. “As a company, we are deeply committed to being part of the solution for our customers and our employees. Our team members are working hard to create impactful measures to serve our communities, and I have never been prouder to be the leader of this company."
Circle K is also offering free coffee, tea and Polar Pop beverages to first responders, healthcare workers and employees in various regions. For its hourly store employees on the front line of the pandemic, Circle K has implemented additional financial and healthcare measures, including:
- An emergency sick care plan for hourly employees in North America that includes both a bank of sick pay hours and a pay continuation benefit if someone is either diagnosed with COVID-19 or is placed under a mandatory quarantine.
- Emergency appreciation pay premium for store employees in North America of an additional $2.50 on base hourly rate of pay for all hours worked.
- Virtual wellness for U.S. hourly store employees who have concerns regarding the coronavirus.
Circle K has also opened a FAQ page on its website, featuring common questions and answers on how stores are operating during the pandemic. It also addresses what customers can expect in terms of store closings.
With more than 5,900 stores in the United States, Circle K is No. 2 on the Top 40 update to CSP’s 2019 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by number of retail outlets. CSP will release the complete 2020 list in June.
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