Many stores are setting aside a special shopping hour daily or weekly for seniors, pregnant women, and other people who are at greater risk from illness.
It will be a community effort to protect the most vulnerable people out there.
Regular business hours have changed for many businesses that need more down time for cleaning and restocking. The hours below may vary by location. They are based on statements put out by the regional and national chains.
PLEASE verify the hours at your chosen location before you head out. You can do this by following the link provided, or by calling the store directly.
Also, some stores are limiting the number of high-demand items that any one shopper can buy, and this is a good thing.
How you can help your older relatives and neighbors
When you go shopping, ask those around you if they need anything you can pick up easily (or add to your order, if you are having groceries delivered).
If you have relatives or neighbors who are not comfortable with technology, you might help them set up an order for grocery delivery.
Be especially mindful of personal hygiene while you are shopping. Note that many stores are not allowing personal bags at this time.
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Stores with special shopping hours
Publix
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the hour from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. will be reserved for shoppers 65 and older. These shoppers can remain in the store as long as they’d like, but the store will open to other customers at 8 a.m.
Kroger
Stores in Georgia will block off 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays for seniors over 60 and high-risk people as defined by the CDC.
In addition, most Kroger stores have discontinued 24-hour operations and are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Aldi
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aldi will open at 8:30 a.m. and has designated the first hour “for our most vulnerable shoppers, including senior citizens, expectant mothers, and those with underlying health conditions.”
Aldi has announced that stores nationwide will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. — but you still need to check with your location, because it may have limited hours to accommodate restocking and cleaning.
Note that the Aldi website does not seem to have current hours listed for any stores.
Walgreens
Trader Joe’s
Every day, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., the grocery store will maintain an additional line outside the front door for senior customers. This will ensure those customers in need will have an expedited entrance to the store. (Yes, TJ’s has been seeing a line at the door before the stores open.)
Store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. now, reflecting an early close time.
Whole Foods Market
All locations in the U.S. will allow customers 60 and older to shop one hour before opening to the general public. (For example, if a store opens at 9 a.m., seniors can start shopping at 8 a.m.) You can check online here for your store’s updated hours.
Dollar General
Dollar General is dedicating the first hour of operations each day to its senior customers. Dollar General has also adjusted store hours. Locations will open as normal, but close one hour earlier.
Fresh Market
Fresh Market is reserving the first hours store open, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, for seniors and those most at risk.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts has no plans for special hours. For its response to current events, click here.
Big Lots
Big Lots is reserving the first hour of each day for senior citizens and other vulnerable people.
It is also offering curbside pickup for items you buy online at home.
Target
Target is reserving the first hour every Wednesday for vulnerable guests to shop, including seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
Walmart
Through April 28, Walmart stores stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers 60 and older. It takes place one hour before the store opens.
Costco
Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m. is designated shopping for seniors 60 and older and people with disabilities. This includes pharmacy pickups.
Sam’s Club
New hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday hours remain at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prescheduled Club Pickup orders will still be available for pickup starting at 7 a.m.
No senior hours have been added.
From the website:
“If you’re experiencing long lines, consider using Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app. Simply scan your items with your phone, add them to your cart, and skip the checkout line altogether.”
Dekalb Farmers Market
The Dekalb Farmers Market is still listing hours as 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. On weekdays, the market is not typically crowded.
The phone number is 404-377-6400
City Farmers Market
Hours have not changed at the six locations, but the management announced it is using thermal temperature scanners at entrances, to screen shoppers for fever.
Locations are Atlanta, Chamblee, Norcross, and Snellville.
Buford Highway Farmers Market
This is the one just outside 285. It does not have a website, but the Facebook page is still listing hours as 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
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