Supermarket chain Co.opmart tries out curbside pickup service in Ho Chi Minh City

Retailer giant Co.opmart has recently launched a trial round of curbside pickup service, whereby customers can place orders and let staffers grab the items for them, as a solution to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks in several of its stores in Ho Chi Minh City. 

The new service, entitled ‘Pick & Ship,’ is expected to reduce in-store transmission chances by 80-90 percent, the Vietnamese retailer stated.

With this new shopping method, customers arriving at Co.opmart stores will not have to walk to the shelves, but instead be redirected to a waiting lounge, where they can place orders and wait for their items to be packed. 

It is launched alongside the delivery service that Co.opmart provides via phone, shopping apps, and e-commerce platforms in a bid to stall COVID-19 spread in light of the ongoing outbreak that has put Ho Chi Minh City under strict social distancing measures since May 31.

As of July 2, nearly 60 supermarket and grocery shops in Ho Chi Minh City had been shuttered following lockdown orders or detections of coronavirus cases who visited the stores. 

Considering the situation, ‘Pick & Ship’ is Co.opmart’s latest response to the development of the epidemic. 

The supermarket chain has launched the new service in seven of its stores.

As witnessed by a Tuoi Tre (Youth) correspondent, customers using pickup service in these stores are required to wear face masks and keep a safe distance from others.

Customers can also choose to get their items delivered home after confirming their package with the staffers.