Delivery and errand riders have become partners of the malls in bringing essential services and products to customers’ doorsteps.
This was shared by SM City Marilao mall manager Engr. Emmanuel Gatmaitan on Monday afternoon, adding that they treat delivery riders as their partners and economic frontliners that bring essential services to families and people stuck at home.
He cited the important role of the services of Food Panda and Grab as well as local errand services like Pabili-Bulacan, Ride Eat, Pa Suyo Po and Cartel De Marilao, JoyRide, Peso Baliwag Delivery Services, and Xpress Bulacan in this time of pandemic.
Gatmaitan said necessity in the new normal setup are deliveries of home food and groceries including pharmaceuticals and other basic needs.
In a bid to provide comfort to delivery riders, SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, Pulilan, and San Jose Del Monte have set up cozy lounges where riders can take a break in between tasks or while waiting for customers’ orders from restaurants and stores.
These lounges are equipped with charging stations and disinfection areas with chairs and tables.
Free waters are likewise offered as health measures are put in place to enable riders to enjoy the lounge safely.
Apart from the lounges, SM malls in Bulacan also reserved special parking areas for riders near mall entrances. This is to provide easy and safe space access while prioritizing rider’s convenience as they deliver products to customers in a safe and timely manner.
“Our Rider’s Lounge is one way of thanking our partners for playing a significant role in bringing the needs of the community” SM City Baliwag mall manager Rodora Tolentino said.