Throughout the pandemic, we have seen an increase in innovation from many retailers, especially during the holiday season. We spoke with international grocer Lidl, an NRF member since 2015, to hear how it is implementing innovative solutions to help protect its employees, prioritize customers and give back to the communities it serves.
COVID-19 safety measures
Since the start of the pandemic, Lidl has put the health and safety of its customers and team members first, including with industry-leading measures on health coverage and air filtration that are unique among grocers.
It also was the first retailer to introduce a dedicated COVID-19 healthcare benefit to assure every Lidl team member — and temporary employee — had access to COVID-19 medical coverage at no cost. This was an additional measure to the comprehensive medical coverage Lidl offers to all full- and part-time employees.
Lidl also became the first retailer to commit to installing hospital-grade air filtration of MERV-13 or higher in all its U.S. stores following new guidance from the CDC in September that COVID-19 could be transmitted through the air.
All stores receive enhanced daily and weekly cleanings, have plexiglass screens at checkouts and have implemented a number of social-distancing measures, floor stickers, in-store signage and customer limits. Lidl also provides masks and gloves to all team members, deploys temperature checks at the start of each shift and has a modified attendance policy designed to reduce risk in store.
Learn more about the winter holiday season this year here.
Insights on the holiday season
Lidl is committed to keeping shelves stocked and prices low so customers can make the most of the holiday season. At the end of October, Lidl released a line of new holiday items, which includes desserts, appetizers, gifts and unique items such as a full prosciutto leg and carving station to bring a special touch to holiday tables. No matter what kind of holiday customers will be celebrating, they can be confident Lidl will have the products they need to make the holidays special.
Lidl also recognizes that this has been a difficult year across the nation, with hunger unfortunately rising to new heights in many communities. To help more families in the communities the stores serve put a holiday meal on the table this holiday season, Lidl kicked off a holiday giving campaign with a donation of more than 3,000 turkeys to its neighbors in need.
It also began a $5 holiday hunger relief bag drive, which allows customers to join with the grocery chain in the fight against hunger. During the holidays, Lidl customers can purchase a $5 hunger relief bag at the checkout, filled with the most in-demand staples. Lidl will match this donation up to 10,000 bags, and the team will pack and distribute the bags to local food banks at the conclusion of the campaign in December.
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