Meijer Suspends Returns, Plastic Bags Amid Coronavirus Emergency

OAK CREEK, WI — Meijer, which has stores in Greenfield, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, Waukesha, Sussex, Grafton, West Bend and Kenosha in the southeastern Wisconsin area, has put in place a number of protections and changes due to the coronavirus public health emergency.

No More Returns

Meijer announced on March 27 that it has temporarily stopped accepting product returns at all its Customer Service Desks until April 16 to continue its efforts of helping prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The precautionary measure also includes recalls, exchanges and deposit refunds. However, to ensure the retailer can accept returns that expire during this timeframe, it has extended its eligible return policy to 120 days for all items.

Meijer has also temporarily discontinued Sodastream exchanges, automotive battery returns and carpet cleaner/power washer rentals from Bissell. The retailer will accept back any previously rented Bissell cleaner or power washer but is requesting only the customer touch the equipment and return it to the fixture.

No More Reusable Plastic Bags

Meijer is also asking customers to refrain from shopping with reusable bags, unless they are using the Meijer Shop and Scan service. Reusable bag changes are effective immediately at all Meijer stores. The rule went into effect on March 25.

Sneeze Guards

Also on March 25, Meijer announced today that it will install plexiglass shields at all its check lanes to add protection for its team members and customers beginning next week.

Store hours Just For Seniors, Most Vulnerable

On March 19, officials said Meijer stores will close overnight at 10 p.m. and will open each morning at 8 a.m. local time. Meijer stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 a.m.

Other Precautions

On March 25, Meijer also temporarily removed Sandy the Pony, a coin-operated children's ride from the front end of its stores.

The store also marked X’s on the floor six feet apart in areas where customers may congregate, such as lines for check lanes, pharmacy and service desk counters.