Seniors are still vulnerable while the virus is still spreading, so many stores are now setting aside special shopping hours for seniors.
Because older customers could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus, they need to stay out of publics as much as possible, but they still may need basic goods. To make their grocery runs safer, some stores have started setting aside certain shopping hours for seniors or other at-risk people to shop.
Many stores have changed their operating hours to allow them a chance to restock the shelves overnight. We, in Las Vegas, are very used to stores being open 24hrs a day, so this has been quite a change for some. But, at this time, residents are only supposed to be going out if it’s essential, to fight the fast spread of the virus.
Some people that are out of things like paper goods are spending all day driving from store to store to get a minimum of certain products. Most stores are limiting the number of high-demand items that any one shopper can buy, and some are requiring face coverings before entering, so be sure to have one with you. Below are stores that are dedicating special times or days to seniors and at-risk residents at this time.
Albertsons/Vons –At a minimum, the company will reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. for those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated. Customers should check their store’s hours if they’re opening on a different schedule. Some stores have adjusted hours, depending on location.
Big Lots — Big Lots is reserving the first hour of each day for senior citizens and other vulnerable people. Be sure to check the hours of your local store, as they differ at different locations.
Costco– The bulk retailer said in a statement Saturday that it will open its doors for members 60 years and older every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The special hours will begin March 24. Face masks are now required to enter Costco.
Dollar General – Dollar General is dedicating the first hour of operations each day solely for the shopping needs of senior customers. They are now closing stores an hour early as well to re-stock.
La Bonita Supermarkets– All stores will reserve the first two hours, 6 to 8 a.m., for those 60 and older, allowing no more than 50 customers inside at a time. They close at 8 p.m.
Mariana’s Supermarkets– People who are 65 and older, disabled or pregnant will be given priority access from 7 to 8 a.m. daily. They are also only allowing 50 people into the store at one time. Stores close at 9 p.m.
Sam’s Club– Sam’s Club locations nationwide will offer early shopping hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. This includes our pharmacy and optical centers and will last until further notice. They are also offering concierge service during these hours where seniors or at-risk can shop from a designated parking location, place their orders from their cars, and a Sam’s Club associate will grab the items on the list.
Smith’s– The grocery chain led the way last week in opening its stores to seniors from 7-8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Many seniors lined up at stores throughout the valley this past Wednesday.
Target– Target will reserve “the first hour of shopping each Wednesday to support vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns.” Target opens at 8 a.m. daily. Target is reducing its hours to allow for additional cleaning and stocking as well. Stores will now close at 9 p.m.
Trader Joe’s – Trader’s is offering a separate line for seniors outdoors every day from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for expedited entry. This will ensure that those customers in need will have an expedited entrance to the store to help make their experience a more positive one. The will also have a limited number of shoppers permitted inside at one time.
Walgreens– The chain will hold a senior shopping hour from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays. The stores will have pharmacists calling seniors about their prescriptions and will let people shop for essentials at drive-up windows. Also on Tuesdays, Walgreens offers senior discount for ages 55 & older, which is 30 percent off regularly priced Walgreens brands and 20 percent off regularly priced national brands. Restrictions may apply.
Walmart– on Tuesdays from March 24 to April 28, its stores will open an hour early for customers 60 and older. They have also changed store hours from 7am to 8:30pm in order to re-stock the store overnight.
Whole Foods Market– All of its United States stores will serve customers 60 and older one hour before opening to the public. Online postings from the company indicate Whole Foods stores in Las Vegas are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If you’re healthy, please ask your older relatives, neighbors and friends, if they need any assistance with picking up groceries or other necessities. Some of these stores listed offer online ordering for pickup and delivery. Before you put in your next order, see if there is anyone vulnerable near you in need of goods or groceries. Senior citizens may not be comfortable using online ordering and apps, so check in and see if you can help out.
Before you head out, please be sure to check the hours of your local store, as opening hours may differ at different locations around the city. Also check if face masks are required.
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Thank you Linda, we really appreciate comments like this! We will continue to do our best during this crazy time! Stay safe!