Costco Is Bringing Back Reserved Shopping Hours for Seniors "Until Further Notice"
At the start of the coronavirus outbreak, many big-box retailers and grocery 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.
Although the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise nationwide, many stores have scaled back their senior hours in recent months. Publix was one of the first major grocery chains to do so: In mid-May, they announced that they would no longer hold reserved shopping hours for seniors and healthcare workers. Instead, Publix encourages at-risk shoppers to shop as soon as the stores open, when it's freshly sanitized and less crowded. Costco followed suit, but is reversing its decision in wake of record-breaking COVID-19 numbers: Effective December 7, all Costco stores will offer a senior shopping hour for anyone 60 and up from Monday through Friday "until further notice."
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: Now through February 27, stores are open from 6 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
ALDI: Stores are reserved for seniors and at-risk customers from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
BJ's Wholesale Club: Anyone 60 and older can shop Monday through Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m.
Costco: Any member 60 and older can shop Monday through Friday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Dollar General: The first hour of operation is reserved for seniors. Call your local store to find out opening times.
Fareway: Anyone 65 and older, immunocompromised, or expectant mothers can shop from 8 to 9 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Food Lion: Every Monday and Wednesday, seniors and at-risk customers can shop from 7 to 8 a.m.
Fred Meyer: Seniors and at-risk customers can shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 a.m.
Fresh Market: Anyone 65 and older can shop from 8 to 9 a.m. on weekdays.
Gelson's: Anyone 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 a.m.
Harris Teeter: Every Monday and Thursday from 6 to 8 a.m. is reserved for shoppers 60 and older.
Kroger: In some areas, stores open at least one hour earlier for seniors and at-risk customers. Call your local store for exact times.
Morton Williams: Stores are reserved from 7 to 8 a.m. for seniors.
Pavilions: Now through February 25, stores are open from 6 to 7 a.m. Mondays through Fridays for at-risk shoppers.
Price Chopper: Stores are open from 6 to 7 a.m. for seniors and at-risk customers.
Rite Aid: Seniors and at-risk customers can shop from 9 to 10 a.m. on weekdays.
Safeway: Now through February 25, stores are open from 7 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
Shaw's: Now through February 25, stores are open from 6:30 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
Target: Stores are reserving the first hour on Tuesdays for "vulnerable shoppers." Call your local store to find out exact hours.
Trader Joe's: Stores will dedicate the first hour (either 8 to 9 .am. or 9 to 10 a.m.) on Wednesdays and Sundays to seniors and at-risk customers. Call your local store to find out exact hours.
Vons: Now through February 26, stores are open from 6 to 7 a.m. on Mondays through Fridays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.
Walmart: Stores open one hour early on Tuesday for 60 and older to shop. Call your local store to find out exact hours.
Whole Foods Market: Stores open one hour early for 60 and older and at-risk customers 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 fact page and The National Association of County and City Health Officials' directory of local health departments.
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