Today, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has launched a significant statewide radio campaign aimed at educating consumers about the safeguards they should adopt when visiting a grocery, pharmacy or retail store. The public service advertisement (PSA) will air 2,100 times over the next 10 days in every media market throughout the state. The buy includes airtime on African American radio stations as well as a version of the ad to be broadcast on Spanish language stations.
“From the earliest stages of this pandemic, retailers have implemented sweeping changes to how they operate their stores while at the same time meeting unprecedented customer demand. The goal of this PSA is to ensure customers take precautions to keep themselves and other customers safe while also protecting our essential retail workers,” said Rob Karr, president & CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “As always, retailers across the state are working diligently to ensure safe working and shopping environments for all who enter our stores. As the Governor has noted several times, we need consumers to also do their part.”
Going to the store? Here’s a few tips.
Wear a cloth mask that covers your nose and mouth…
Remember, both inside and outside the store, stay at least 6 feet apart…
When possible, avoid using cash.
And, try to have one member per family go shopping.
Please thank retail employees. They are working for you.
Retailers are committed to keeping employees and customers safe…and our shelves stocked.
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association is the voice for retail - and we thank you for doing your part.
The spot is well done and re-emphasizes pragmatic tips for safety.
One person going shopping is one that some families need to heed. Have been somewhat shocked at how many families continue to have multiple children, including toddlers, with them.
The spot has the right tone and a clear, coherent message.
=Stores need to put an end to group shopping excursions, post a sign and a security guard at the store.=
Tricky balancing act here. Limit people to bi-weekly shopping and you’ll have inevitable supply chain shortages as people will buy irrationally. And if you’ve got a family of 2-4 kids you might need items like milk, bread, and produce that don’t have a two week shelf life. I agree that running out for a couple of items is irresponsible. I’m limiting myself to one trip a week but not sure based on what I encounter at the store if every couple of weeks is doable.
I agree with Pundent. I am doing the grocery shopping for my family. We eat a lot of fresh produce which won’t last for two weeks, so I have to shop once a week. I go early in the morning and follow the guidelines.
- Donnie Elgin - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 4:34 pm:
Great move - Helps us all building towards a lifting of the stay at home order and a phased return to “normal”
- Say What? - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 4:37 pm:
The spot is well done and re-emphasizes pragmatic tips for safety.
One person going shopping is one that some families need to heed. Have been somewhat shocked at how many families continue to have multiple children, including toddlers, with them.
The spot has the right tone and a clear, coherent message.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 4:40 pm:
Good spot. Appreciate it. How important are retailers and their workers now, all the people who are enabling us to stay at home?
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 4:44 pm:
Let’s not go back to normal…let’s go back to better? …for every one.
- Linus - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 4:45 pm:
IRMA and Rob Karr are doing some outstanding work these days.
- Allin - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 5:01 pm:
Good message. Good tone. Good stuff from the folks at IRMA.
- Ike - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 6:05 pm:
Why does Pritzker name need to be involved?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 6:08 pm:
The IRMA ad?
Thank you for such a smart ad that we need right now.
It’s good. Good on them.
- JoanP - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 6:27 pm:
I’d like to see the IRMA ad’s content combined with Common’s seriousness and intensity.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Monday, Apr 13, 20 @ 7:10 pm:
Great ad.
“Make a list and buy everything you need for the next week or two, not just the next day or two.”
Stores need to put an end to group shopping excursions, post a sign and a security guard at the store.
- Pundent - Tuesday, Apr 14, 20 @ 6:54 am:
=Stores need to put an end to group shopping excursions, post a sign and a security guard at the store.=
Tricky balancing act here. Limit people to bi-weekly shopping and you’ll have inevitable supply chain shortages as people will buy irrationally. And if you’ve got a family of 2-4 kids you might need items like milk, bread, and produce that don’t have a two week shelf life. I agree that running out for a couple of items is irresponsible. I’m limiting myself to one trip a week but not sure based on what I encounter at the store if every couple of weeks is doable.
- Steve Polite - Tuesday, Apr 14, 20 @ 10:56 am:
Both spots are well done.
I agree with Pundent. I am doing the grocery shopping for my family. We eat a lot of fresh produce which won’t last for two weeks, so I have to shop once a week. I go early in the morning and follow the guidelines.