Walmart became the latest grocer to announce special shopping hours for senior citizens and others who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Whole Foods, Costco, Walgreens, Target, and Trader Joe’s have also set aside hours for seniors and those with underlying health concerns. After a wave of a panic buying that saw stores jammed with customers and merchandise depleted due to stockpiling, the retailers’ intent is to provide the elderly with a less crowded, safer shopping environment as well as to ensure access to essential items.
Walmart cuts hours to allow for stocking, sanitizing shelves amid coronavirus concerns
Many stores have also altered their hours of operation to give employees more time to restock shelves and sanitize premises.
New shopping hours as of 3/23/2020:
Walmart: Customers ages 60 and older can shop every Tuesday an hour before stores open. Walmart pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during this time.
When: Starting Tuesday through April 28.
Whole Foods: Customers age 60 and older can shop daily an hour before stores open to the general public. So if a store opens at 9 a.m., for example, seniors have access at 8 a.m.
When: Policy is already in effect.
Target: The first hour of shopping each Wednesday is reserved for the elderly and other vulnerable populations, such as those with compromised immune systems.
When: Policy is already in effect.
Walgreens: Seniors-only hour every Tuesday, 8-9 a.m.
When: Beginning Tuesday, March 24.
Trader Joe’s: Crew members will maintain an additional line outside the front door for seniors, 9-10 a.m. daily, to expedite entry.
When: Beginning Monday, March 23.
Costco: Special hours for members who are 60 and older, 8-9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The pharmacy will also be open during this hour.
When: Beginning Tuesday, March 24.
This story was first published Thursday, March 19. It has been updated to include additional stores.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | pwetli@wttw.com
Harrisburg100 