Store introduces 'Smile Masks' to make their employees look more friendly to customers

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, face masks and coverings have become a normal part of everyday life for so many of us.

In many countries, face coverings are now mandatory in certain settings. For instance, in the US, many supermarkets and establishments like Walmart now require all of their customers to don protective face coverings prior to entering their stores.

However, there's no denying that face masks can be a scary reminder of the tumultuous world we are currently living in, and being unable to see the friendly faces of those around us can make everything feel a bit... 1984.

So, in an effort to bring some cheer back to its customers, one store in Japan has launched its "Smile Campaign", and it is certainly working!

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Having half of our faces covered means it can be incredibly difficult to read somebody's facial expression, which is why Japanese discount store Takeya has come up with the following creative solution.

Now, every staff member of the store has their own face mask with a smile printed on it - so customers can see just how accommodating and friendly the Takeya team is.

The store announced their initiative on Twitter, saying that (translated): "Since the pandemic has normalized wearing masks, we're launching a 'Smile Campaign' to show how we would still like to bring you our smiles through a mask."

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Their official website adds: "We hope that the customers and employees who visit the store will smile together with the funny design."

And I have to admit, the unique initiative has certainly put a smile on my face. Although, I can't help but wonder how the staff would look when dealing with a particularly difficult customer.

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Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), face coverings "may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others."

It adds: "Wearing a mask will help protect people around you, including those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and workers who frequently come into close contact with other people, (e.g., in stores and restaurants)."