GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Supermarkets (which remain open during the coronavirus pandemic) continue to increase their social distancing efforts, and Giant Eagle will take another step in that direction this weekend.
The chain announced Thursday its store in Garfield Heights would conduct its services exclusively via curbside pickup starting Sunday. This is the second Giant Eagle location to become such a "fulfillment center," with Cuyahoga Falls being the first earlier this month.
Said spokesperson Janah Jablonowski:
"As we explore creative opportunities to increase our curbside pickup and delivery capacity, we have been very pleased with the results of our recent Howe Avenue Giant Eagle conversion. There continues to be an unprecedented demand for grocery pickup and delivery options, and we are very excited to bring this curbside pickup center model to the Cleveland area to make thousands of additional spots available to our guests each week."
Giant Eagle had previously teased plans to "dramatically increase" its curbside pickup and home delivery options as customers who need food become more averse to going inside the stores with the threat of COVID-19 still very real. The store will close to the public Friday night before opening back up Sunday morning with the new, "temporary" format.
Customers can reserve slots for picking their groceries up any time from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, and all payments must take place online to limit person-to-person contact. While the main market will be closed, both the pharmacy and the liquor agency will remain open through special entrances.
Those wishing to still shop in-person can still go to the nearby Giant Eagles in Beachwood, Brooklyn (Biddulph Plaza), Maple Heights (Southgate), and Parma.
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