Walmart Joins Growing List of Stores That Are Now Holding Senior Shopping Hours
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase, grocery stores are doing their part to make sure that everyone — seniors and at-risk individuals, especially — can stock up in a safe manner.
First, stores altered their opening hours, cleaning procedures, and delivery options to cater to customers. But after growing concern for those most susceptible to COVID-19, major chains, including Walmart, Target, and Safeway, announced that they will reserve a special hour for seniors and vulnerable shoppers to get what they need at a comfortable pace while avoiding crowds.
Publix, which operates 1,243 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, recently released a statement explaining how they came to this decision, and why other grocery stores need to do the same:
"Publix has been a leader in customer service for nearly 90 years, in good times and in bad. We understand there are customers for whom shopping may be extra difficult right now, so we are pleased to offer them this dedicated time in our stores to shop at their own pace. This is just one way we are continuing to offer the Publix experience people have come to expect. It’s especially important during these stressful times that our customers are able to rely on us and trust us to meet their unique needs."
As a reminder, the COVID-19 outbreak is constantly evolving, which means the senior hours and status of your local chains may be changing, too. It's best to call your nearest location before you head out to get the most up-to-date information.
Here's a list of stores with senior hours:
Albertsons: Stores are open from 7 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
Dollar General: The first hour of operation is reserved for seniors. Call your local store to find out opening times.
Food Town: Anyone 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 a.m.
Fresh Market: Anyone 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 a.m.
Gelson's: Anyone 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 a.m.
Morton Williams: Stores are open from 7 to 8 a.m. for "senior hour."
Pavilions: Stores are open from 7 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
Publix: Anyone 65 and older can shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 a.m.
Safeway: Stores are open from 7 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
Stop & Shop: Anyone 60 and older can shop from 6 to 7:30 a.m.
Target: Stores are reserving an hour on Wednesdays for "vulnerable shoppers." Call your local store to find out exact hours.
Trader Joe's: Select stores will open early for seniors and at-risk customers. Call your local store to find out exact hours.
Vons: Stores are open from 7 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
Walmart: From now through April 28, stores open one hour early on Tuesday for 60 and older to shop.
Whole Foods Market: Stores open one hour early for 60 and older to shop. Call your local store for exact hours.
For helpful resources regarding coronavirus, visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Coronavirus Disease 2019 fact page and The National Association of County and City Health Officials' directory of local health departments.
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