Business

Mariano’s Joins List of Stores Offering Special Shopping Hours for Seniors

On Thursday, Mariano’s became the latest grocer to announce special shopping hours for senior citizens and others who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. 

Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, Jewel-Osco and Tony’s Fresh Market 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.  

Many stores have also altered their hours of operation to give employees more time to restock shelves and sanitize premises.

Here’s a rundown of senior hours:

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.

Jewel-Osco: Senior shoppers are being given priority on from 7-9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
When: Policy is already in effect.

Mariano’s: The grocer has set aside two hours daily — 6 to 8 a.m. — for seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
When: Policy is already in effect.

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.

Tony’s Fresh Market: Senior priority shopping hours are in effect 7-9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
When: Beginning Tuesday.

Walgreens: Seniors-only hour every Tuesday, 8-9 a.m.
When: Beginning Tuesday, March 24.

Trader Joe’s: Update — Stores will dedicate the first hour of operation every day to serve customers over the age of 60 and disabled individuals who may need additional assistance while shopping. 
When: Beginning Monday, March 30.

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.

Meijer: On Mondays and Wednesdays, 7-8 a.m. is reserved for essential service workers; on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8 a.m. is reserved for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions.
When: Policy is in effect.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market: Open 6-8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays exclusively for customers over the age of 60 and those with underlying health conditions. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, open 6-8 a.m. exclusively for essential healthcare workers and first responders.
When: Policy is in effect.

Aldi: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, stores will open at 8:30 a.m. and reserve the first hour of business for senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health concerns.
When: Policy is in effect.

Dollar General: The first hour of operation has been set aside daily for seniors. 
When: Policy is in effect.

This story was first published Thursday, March 19. It has been updated to include additional stores.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]

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