Email from Kmart’s CEO sows confusion among shoppers
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Kmart CEO John Gualtieri wants a “safe, seamless, and convenient” shopping experience. Photo from Inside Retail
As per government regulation, Kmart CEO John Gualtieri confirmed that customers who have not yet received the vaccine will not be allowed to shop at NSW stores. Gualtieri implemented the restrictions in line with the government’s efforts to ensure the virus spread would be minimal. But he is adamant that every shopper will still have a “safe, seamless, and convenient” experience.
"As per the NSW Government requirement, customers will need to show proof that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated, unless a medical exemption applies," the email said.
On October 11, there were scenes of chaos when excited Kmart customers were seen lining up at midnight and flooding the store to celebrate the end of the many months’ long lockdown.
The current NSW road map allows stores to welcome fully vaccinated individuals under a limited capacity of 1 person per 4 square meters.
Unvaccinated locals will have to wait until December 1, 2021 for the restriction to be lifted.
A spokesperson from Kmart confirmed the store would continue to follow government guidelines.
"We will continue to comply with evolving government requirements to keep our customers and team safe and we will keep customers updated should requirements change," the spokesperson told 7News.
Though it appears not everyone agrees with the decision.
”People should be vaccinated.” Photo: Marco Bello / Reuters
One person asked on Kmart’s Facebook page, saying, “Are they not letting unvaccinated people shop in the store?”
"Wow never thought Kmart would discriminate so ashamed of them, thought they were a great store, l need to think again," added another angry user, who threatened to boycott the superstore.
The majority of the comments expressed support for the move, saying, “Well, people should be vaccinated.”
"Good on them, I am double vaccinated so don’t have an issue," wrote another.
The state hit the mark of 70 percent of its eligible population being fully vaccinated, enabling retail stores and hospitality venues to open.
Do you agree with Kmart’s decision to only allow fully vaccinated people in their stores?
This article is based on an article written by Kristine Tarbert for Yahoo! Lifestyle.