Harris Teeter and Publix stores begin closing earlier

Harris Teeter stores began temporarily closing earlier as of Wednesday, Sept. 15 and select Publix locations have reduced their hours, as well.

The new Harris Teeter temporary store hours will be 6 a.m. to 9 p.m starting Sept. 15 until further notice.

In addition, beginning Sept. 15, the Fresh Foods Market Service Counter will close at 8 p.m. and all amenities will close at 7 p.m.

The Butchers & Fisherman's Market Service Counters will also be closing at 8 p.m.

According to Danna Robinson, Communication Manager with Harris Teeter, the changes are taking place "to focus on thorough cleaning, replenishment, staffing and the well-being of our valued associates."

The company statement also indicated, "We believe closing our stores earlier will allow our valued associates to: take their earned days off; efficiently process ExpressLane orders; manage labor in this difficult employment environment; ensure excellent closings to better prepare for the following day; and make certain that our stores are a clean, safe place to work and shop."

Pharmacy Hours will remain the same:

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The store is still offering Senior Shopping hours every Monday and Thursday morning from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. for shoppers aged 60 and over and other vulnerable populations. They have also designated ExpressLane Online Shopping pick-up times for seniors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday. They are waiving the $4.95 fee & will be offering $5 delivery for seniors.

For instance, the Publix on Leesville Road in Raleigh and the location in Wake Forest both changed their closing times from 10 pm to 9 pm on Sept. 11, 2021.

"At Publix, we routinely evaluate our business operations, including business operating hours to, effectively and efficiently meet the needs of our customers. Over the course of the pandemic, customer shopping habits have evolved. Based on these evolutions, we have modified store hours at select locations to reflect our current state. If customer shopping patterns shift, we will re-evaluate our operating hours," the company shared with WRAL in a statement from the Publix Media Relations Manager.

It's not just grocery stores closing early. The Chick-Fil-A on Harrison Avenue in Cary is also shortening its hours. The restaurant is open until 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will not reopen for dinner. It will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. the rest of the week.

The new store schedules are likely caused by the coronavirus pandemic which has resulted in worker shortages, stock issues and a need for stores to spend more time cleaning, according to the experts.