COVID-19 UPDATES
In light of the growing concerns around COVID-19, *we recognize the importance of continuing to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our customers and our staff, and have been following the guidelines of the Ontario Government and Toronto Public Health to look at ways our business may need to adjust.
Over the course of this pandemic, we have made several changes in store in order mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Please keep in mind that the COVID pandemic is an ever-changing situation and at any time these policies can be revisited again. Any further changes will be communicated as necessary.
*Following the provincial governments guidance to remove the face mask requirement, face masks will no longer be required while shopping at Organic Garage.
*Remember to distance yourself from other customers and staff
*Stay home if you are feeling sick
*We will continue to keep you updated on social media, on our website and through our flyer email database, which you can subscribe to here:organicgarage.com/signup
Wipe away the bad stuff so you can shop the good stuff ! While we continue to do our best to sanitize all shopping carts and basket handles throughout the day, we have installed biodegradable, natural disinfecting wipe and touchless hand sanitizer stations throughout the store to be used at your convenience!
Not ready for an in-store grocery experience? You can still get Healthy Food for Less from the comfort of your couch Delivered with Instacart. Groceries delivered right to your door with a reduced service fee, no price mark-ups and access to our Unflyer pricing.
WE HAVE RESUMED THE FOLLOWING IN-STORE:
Bulk Offerings Are Back! Our bulk bins at all stores are filled with organic and all natural nuts, seeds, grains, candy (and tea, spices and herbs *) Come in and scoop up the savings!
Touchless hand sanitizing stations can be found around the store for you to sanitize before scooping, and our bring your own container program is still on pause at this time.
*Junction & Liberty locations only
We Are Resuming Accepting Returns of Glass Bottles: We are back accepting glass bottle returns on Harmony Organic, Pinehedge, Hewitts and Eby Manor products. Please ensure returned bottles are cleaned thoroughly at your home. Our cashiers will take them back for refund, while maintaining physical distancing measures.
We Have Resumed Accepting Product Returns In Store: We are back accepting returns in store. A receipt and the product(s) must be presented for all refunds and exchanges.
FRESH – WITHIN 7 DAYS
GROCERY – WITHIN 14 DAYS
HEALTH AND BEAUTY/VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS – WITHIN 14 DAYS
DAY OLD/REDUCED – NO RETURNS
GENERAL MERCHANDISE – NO RETURNS
GIFT CARDS – NO RETURNS
As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 situation and all of the issues associated with it, please be assured that our priority continues to be the well being of our staff and customers.
Here are the steps we’ve taken to keep our community healthy:
Practicing Social Distancing: In consideration of our hard-working staff, and to help mitigate the spread of the virus, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health is recommending social distancing measures that include keeping 2 meters (6 feet) apart from others.We have installed floor markings for social distancing at every store. Following these guidelines is greatly appreciated in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Plexiglass Dividers for Cash: We have installed Plexiglass Dividers at each till to create a barrier between the customer and the staff.
Increased Credit Card TAP Limit: We have updated our Point of Sale Credit Card terminals so that customers may now use TAP for credit card transactions up to $250. Debit transactions remain at $100.
Suspending In-Store Features: At this time, we believe it is in everyone’s best interest to suspend in-store offerings such our salad bar, draft stations and in-store sampling activity until further notice as a preventative measure for your health and safety.
Pausing our Bring your Own Container Program: While sustainability and reducing waste is extremely important to us, we have determined that it is appropriate at this time to be extra vigilant and put a pause on customers’ ability to bring in your own container to purchase bulk goods.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: Our staff at all locations are taking extra measures to ensure high contact surfaces are subject to routine cleaning. This includes the handles on baskets, handles of our entrance and cooler doors, and touchpads throughout the store. We have placed touchless hand sanitizer stations around the store and are encouraging customers and staff to use them while in the store.
Reusable Bags: As we have entered stage 3 of COVID 19 reopenings, we are encouraging customers to start again bringing in their reusable bags.
Cashless Payment: For the safety of our cashiers, in order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, we are asking where possible for customers to consider cashless payment methods: i.e. Credit + Debit.
Stock Levels: We are working diligently with our distributors on ramping up inventory, and while we can report that we are replenishing stock, we cannot guarantee to receive everything we have ordered. Please be aware that the stock of fresh items such as meat and dairy, will be more difficult to maintain. We ask that you be mindful and help to manage the flow of goods by not stocking up unnecessarily to ensure all customers have access to the products they truly need.
Please note that our staff are extremely busy at the moment and are unable to answer your calls regarding stock levels on certain items. Even if the shelf is stocked there is no guarantee that it will remain that way until you are able to make it in-store. Our staff is unable to put items on hold – your understanding is appreciated.
We will continue to work diligently, following the lead of public health advisories, working proactively towards the same goal of keeping everyone safe.
We will ensure our employees are up-to-date on all COVID 19 related issues by posting information on the employee boards as needed. Employees are all self-screening prior to coming into work. Any employees coming in or calling in with symptoms is sent home. To return to work, they must provide documentation of testing negative for COVID 19 or self isolate for 14 days.
While we recognize these are very unsettling times, we take great comfort in being able to continue to bring you Healthy Food For Less, in a safe and friendly environment and we applaud all staff ~ in our stores, and back at our Head Office for their contribution. Without their dedication, we recognize that we couldn’t continue to provide the essential service to our customers that we do.
We are also extremely thankful to the customers who have taken the time, in emails and on social media to acknowledge our hard work.
As the situation evolves, we will continue to post updates on this page with any new measures being implemented. We will continue to do everything we can, always with the goal of creating the best shopping experience and to give you peace of mind during this time.