As retailers begin reopening their doors and customers venture back into the world of in-person shopping, independent business owners have an opportunity to distinguish themselves as safe and environmentally conscious places within their local communities. And Nationwide Marketing Group’s ShopSafe Promise program gives them the resources to do just that.

Provided at no cost as a service to the independent retail channel, the ShopSafe Promise was created to make shopping safer and more convenient for consumers of appliances, electronics, furniture, bedding and outdoor entertainment products. By taking the ShopSafe Promise pledge, dealers agree to adhere to recommended COVID-19 safeguards designed to make the shopping and delivery experiences as safe, convenient and professional as possible for consumers.

“While we all may be socially distant these days, most ShopSafe Promise businesses are locally owned,” says Mike Whitaker, the head of the Nationwide Learning Academy. “They’re integral to the fabric of the community. Their customers and staff are also their friends and neighbors. And that’s why they’re so dedicated and willing to make the ShopSafe Promise to their customers and for their communities.”

Included in the safety recommendations that ShopSafe dealers pledge to follow are the following:

• Employee health screenings each day
• Employee face coverings at all times
• Disposable masks provided for all customers
• Adherence to social distancing guidelines
• Frequent deep cleaning of surfaces
• Access to hand sanitizer, soap and water
• Contactless delivery options
• And much more

ShopSafe Promise dealers will also guide their entire team through an 18-course CDC-approved training program on the COVID-19 pandemic. The modules, available through the Nationwide Learning Academy portal and the ShopSafe Promise website, cover a wide range of topics, including preventive measures, understanding how and why the virus spreads, warning signs of illness, managing packages and returns during the pandemic, and more.

Additionally, dealers who make the ShopSafe Promise will have access to marketing materials that will let customers know they are doing their part to create a safe shopping environment. Assets will include in-store signage, window clings, website banners, social media graphics and more.

To support the launch of the ShopSafe Promise program, Nationwide will host two introductory webinar opportunities on Wednesday, June 3, at 1 p.m. EDT and Thursday, June 4, at 11 a.m. EDT. During these 30-minute briefings, independent retailers will get a complete overview of the group-supported program that will help them execute and communicate to customers how they are providing the cleanest, safest shopping experience in the industry.

Both sessions are free, although registration is required. To register, visit:

• Wednesday, June 3, at 1 p.m. EDT: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/842806856315005709
• Thursday, June 4, at 11 a.m. EDT: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8282900775289229837

For more information on the ShopSafe Promise program, visit www.shopsafepromise.com.