Ingles Markets, Incorporated Announces Plans to Hire Over 5,000 Additional Associates, Offer an Enhanced Two-Week COVID-19 Leave, and Pay an Appreciation Bonus Totaling Over 5 Million Dollars

ASHEVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) reports its most recent efforts to recognize and support associates during the COVID-19 crisis.

Robert P. Ingle II, Chairman of the Board, stated, “During the COVID-19 crisis, the safety of our customers and our associates is our highest priority. We understand our important role in providing food, medicine and other products to our customers. We are incredibly proud of how our associates have stepped up to the challenge to serve our local communities during this difficult time.”

To ensure our stores and distribution center have the support they need, we are currently hiring over 5,000 additional associates. This will provide some relief to our current associates and allow us to continue to focus on serving our customers while maintaining our enhanced cleaning standards. To learn more about job opportunities, visit inglescareers.com.

We have also implemented a paid, Two-Week COVID-19 Leave Program for associates who test positive. In addition, we have modified our sick pay policy, and enhanced our medical plan to provide covered members with additional benefits.

Ingles Markets will provide a one-time bonus payment of $300 to full-time and $150 to part-time active retail, distribution, and corporate associates who were hired prior to March 1, 2020. The bonus payment will be made on or before April 23, 2020. “Our hard-working associates are truly heroes. We are proud of their dedication and support during this unprecedented time,” said Robert P. Ingle II.

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 198 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Company supermarkets and unaffiliated customers.