FMJ.CO.UK
SOCIAL SAFETY – RESPECT
SOCIAL DISTANCE
THE SITUATION
As hardware stores were featured on the government
list of retail outlets essential to stay open and social
distancing quickly becoming top of everyone’s mind,
Trotters wanted to make sure they were protecting
their customers and sta as best they could during the
coronavirus pandemic.
Working closely with Centurion for many years,
Trotters approached Spectrum Industrial knowing
their expertise in safety signage could help them with
putting a signage program in place in their stores.
On visiting the retailer, they had already placed
tape markers on the floor. This was a great start
and showed intentions towards best practice, but
this make shi approach was not right, nor would it
have lasted long. Using incorrect tape could end up
creating both slip or trip hazards.
MONTH IN FM
MAY 2020 45
They had also placed a dot next to the counter
which was too far away, meaning that when the
customer stood on the dot to be served they could
not reach the counter to pay. As we started to review
the store we identified other issues such as racking /
displays in the way creating narrow walk ways and lots
of POS at the entrance causing bottlenecks.
THE SOLUTION
Just putting a few signs on the floor to keep people
two metres apart is not enough. The most important
thing before starting to implement a way finding
signage scheme is an assessment / audit of the
premises as some re-design may be required.
Starting at the counter area, we looked at the space
as there were multiple serving sta at the counter at
any one time. We advised to move the till points to
ensure the sta were two metres apart.
Following this we then measured from the cashier to
the customer side of the counter and placed a ‘Please
stand here’ floor marker, with a second floor marker
2m from the first which said ‘Please wait here’. We
then continued with a further four floor markers
saying ‘Please keep 2m apart’ so that this started to
form an orderly queue.
Whilst placing the floor markers, we relocated
mobile displays and racking which would have
restricted movement.
The shop operated a one way flow which is great for
social distancing, however they had a problem with
bottlenecks at the entrance of the shop, not good
for social distancing. We understand that to a shop
this is prime retail space, but it is important for social
distancing that tra ic keeps flowing. We advised to
relocate and remove these displays and placed our
audible social distance stand, which informs the
customer as soon as they walk in, to stay socially
safe, as well as adding a chevron floor sign system to
show the customer which way the shop flows whilst
encouraging the two metre distancing.
THE RESULT
“Trotters were delighted with the installation service.
Using our expertise ensured they could have a social
distancing program in place that would grab attention,
educate their shoppers and provide them with clear
guidance to help keep both shoppers and sta stay as
safe as possible.”
ABOUT
Trotters Traders are one of the largest independent
hardware stores in Lincolnshire. Established in 2008,
today they have five branches selling everything from
gardening to DIY products.
Company Name: Trotters Traders
Location: Branches throughout Lincolnshire
Services: Implementation of social distancing
information and signage
www.spectrum-industrial.co.uk 01302 800273 Sales@spectrum-industrial.co.uk
/www.spectrum-industrial.co.uk
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