This week the Mid-Hudson Region cautiously enters Phase 2 of Covid-19 reopening — a true milestone. We have been deeply fortunate to operate as an essential business during this time, as you know. While many of our beloved local businesses are just opening up again all around us, we wanted to let you know that nothing you’ve grown accustomed to in terms of customer service recently at Applestone will change during Phase 2.
Core Principles
Two of our core principles are convenience and accessibility. Our retail model was specifically built to support independent shopping through vending machines. This has now proved more useful than ever. As we have the flexibility to operate without face-to-face contact, we have decided to continue our machine-only service indefinitely at this time. This is incredibly important for the health and safety of our team and our shoppers.
Customer Service Windows Remain Closed
While keeping the customer service windows closed means we are unable to accept new online orders, custom orders, or fulfill requests from our freezer, being in machine-only mode helps us remain focused on a 24/7 shopping experience, especially when our customers need it the most. We will continue business as usual behind closed doors, following hygienic food-safe protocols as we always do, and keeping the machines stocked.
Our New Signs
We are actually debuting one new thing as we enter Phase 2: clearer signs by our friend Alex Luciano about customer protocol to follow while shopping at Applestone. We love our new signs, and suspect you will, too. You know the basics by now. As always, wear a mask and only two (2) people should enter the store at a time. Use the markers on the floor to determine 6 feet of distance from one another. Use the hand sanitizer we have made available and make sure to wash your hands when home. Continue to avoid touching your face. If you visit us during a restocking period, please be prepared to wait in your vehicle or in an organized manner outside of the store.
Thank you for remaining flexible with us during this time. We’re so happy to be able to continue to serve you.