Circle K, the international convenience store chain, is donating a meal to those in need with every fuel transaction, even as the company's own sales have fallen precipitously due to coronavirus.
"We've seen local food bank demand just spike throughout this crisis," CEO Brian Hannasch told Cheddar on Monday. "Circle K is committed to being a part of the solution."
Feeding America, an umbrella organization that helps local food banks secure food, projects a $1.4 billion shortfall in supply over the next six months. The spike in demand comes as upwards of 17 million people have lost their jobs since the coronavirus outbreak hit the U.S. At the same time, federal aid is just beginning to reach people's bank accounts, leaving many Americans in a lurch.
Circle K is partnering with Feeding America to help meet that demand.
The charitable initiative comes as Circle K endures a massive drop in sales. Hannasch said customer visits are down 25 percent, and fuel purchases are down 30 to 50 percent.
"We're trying to stay open," he said. "We're taking a lot of steps to make sure that we protect our employees and our customers."
The company has installed clear barriers between clerks and customers and is aggressively cleaning the retail space each day.
Hannasch said that Circle K is hoping to retain as many employees as possible, particularly in nations without a strong social safety net. The chain has 7,000 sites in the U.S. across 48 states and can be found in more than 20 countries.
"We've really tried to keep people," he said. "In some countries, there are very strong social safety nets, so we have furloughed some people, particularly in Europe. In the U.S., we've put in an emergency $2.50 emergency wage supplement and paid sick leave."
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers to pay for an extra seat in advance if they can't fit within the armrests of one seat. This change is part of several updates the airline is making. The new rule starts on Jan. 27, the same day Southwest begins assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can pay for an extra seat in advance and later get a refund, or request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the new policy, refunds are still possible but not guaranteed. Southwest said in a statement it is updating policies to prepare for assigned seating next year.
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