Krista GarciaUpdated: Jul. 08, 2020
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, most of us have revamped our usual shopping habits. We’re picking up pantry staples, and of course, trying to cook with what we have at home.
We might all be practicing social distancing by ordering grocery delivery and only going out shopping for essentials. But the more vulnerable—pregnant women, the elderly, the immunocompromised—could use a little extra help. That’s why retailers around the country are stepping up and starting to offer senior shopping hours. Here’s where to go!
Previously, seniors were welcomed into stores Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., but effective July 13, Costco is allowing members aged 60 or older and people with disabilities into the store on Tuesday and Thursday only, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Though hours vary across the country, you can find a Costco near you (and its hours) with the store locator on Costco’s website. Just make sure you’re wearing a face mask when you shop and not buying up more than three of these limited meat products.
Walmart recently announced that it’s prioritizing pickup service from 7-8 a.m. for at-risk customers, including those over the age of 60 and first responders. This is in addition to Walmart’s in-store senior shopping events, which occur one hour before the store opens on Tuesdays.
Albertsons, which also owns Safeway, Acme and Vons, is planning on offering two hours every Tuesday and Thursday mornings for its most vulnerable customers. That includes senior citizens, pregnant women and shoppers with compromised immune systems.
Select Kroger stores across the country are reserving early morning shopping hours for seniors 60+. Check with your local retailer for exact hours as they vary by location.
Target is also offering senior shopping hours. The retailer announced it would be dedicating the first hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for its most vulnerable guests.
Whole Foods stores in North America will allow shoppers ages 60+ to enter the store one hour before opening to the public.
Stop & Shop reserved its opening hours for senior citizens. From 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., only customers 60 and older will be allowed to enter and shop. The store will be open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., which is reduced from normal hours.
Other retailers are providing similar early-bird specials to seniors, too. Dollar General will open early exclusively for seniors. The first open hour of the day—from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.—will be reserved for seniors to shop.
