Grocery stores chains hosting special hours for older Americans amid the coronavirus outbreak
These individuals may be more vulnerable than others while grocery shopping. Stores around the country have been flooded with frantic shoppers buying toilet paper, non-perishable goods and other household items in recent weeks.
In response, major retailers have begun carving out time for those more vulnerable to the virus to buy food and supplies without having to worry about large crowds.
Giant
Walmart
Walmart, the nation’s largest grocery store chain, said it will run hour-long senior shopping for people aged 60 and older one hour before its stores are scheduled to open each day beginning on March 24 and ending on April 28.
The company recently adjusted its operating hours to 7 am to 8:30 pm nationwide to allow its employees more time to restock shelves and sanitize stores in accordance with recommended guidelines from the CDC.
“We know our older customers could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus,” the company said. “We are paying very close attention to our stores and communities and will continue making the necessary changes to help make sure our associates are taken care of and that our customers can get what they need.”
Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop is now giving customers vulnerable to coronavirus 90 exclusive minutes to buy groceries from 6 am to 7:30 am.
Target
Dollar General
Dollar General stores across the country started offering “senior hour” on Tuesday. In a Monday statement, Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos his company’s stores will dedicate the first hour of each day to seniors looking to shop.
“We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices,” Vasos said.
Others
Food Lion declined to comment on whether it will set aside special times for those more vulnerable to coronavirus to shop.
“At this time, our stores are open to all customers during our normal hours of operation,” a Food Lion spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Costco and Trader Joe’s did not immediately respond to requests for comment.