By Joshua Huff, sports editor
BIRMINGHAM — Following the announcement this past week that Walmart and Publix will offer special shopping hours for customers aged 65 and up, more retail stores have since followed suit and set aside special hours for the elderly.
That list includes: Public, Walmart, Target, Winn Dixie, Costco, Dollar General, Big Lots, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Walgreens and The Fresh Market.
It should be noted that this list is fluid with more additions expected.
“We are setting aside this time to help these customers feel more comfortable shopping our stores and to help ensure they are able to get the items they need in a less crowded environment,” Whole Foods owner Amazon posted on its website.
The following senior special hours are generally expected to be for people aged 65 and older.
Publix: The altered shopping hours will take effect on March 24. Seniors will be able to shop without the usual crowd from 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until further notice. In addition, the pharmacy will be open.
“Whenever our communities need us, Publix always strives to be a source of help,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “Publix has remained in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal and state agencies since January to monitor developments and updated guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19). I’m writing to share with you the actions Publix is taking across our entire operation to safeguard the health and well-being of our customers, our associates, and our communities.”
Walmart: The chain announced a nationwide policy change in store hours and created a seniors only shopping window in response to the coronavirus outbreak. There will also be purchasing limits on some items.
Its U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours. The retail giant said the move would further help their associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store. Walmart said associates will continue to have access to their regular scheduled shifts and full hours.
Each Tuesday, March 24 through April 28, seniors who are 60 and older will be allowed in the stores one hour prior to opening. The pharmacy and vision centers will be open during the senior citizen shopping period.
Purchasing limits will be placed on some items which include paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food.
Target: Each Wednesday from 8-9 a.m.
Winn Dixie: Monday thru Friday from 8-9 a.m.
Costco: Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10 a.m.
Dollar General: Everyday during the first hour of business.
Big Lots: Everyday during the first hour of business.
Whole Foods: Everyday from 8-9 a.m.
The Fresh Market: Monday thru Friday from 8-9 a.m.
Walgreens: Tuesday from 8 to 9 a.m.
Trader Joes: Everyday from 8-9 a.m.