Updated July 6: There are still multiple grocery stores here in the Triangle offering dedicated shopping hours for seniors to help reduce their risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on for the list including grocery stores, drug stores, big box stores and warehouse clubs.
As of July 2020, many stores have adjusted or ended their special senior shopping hours. Be sure to check on the company website for your specific store location to see the most current hours for your specific store.
You will notice that many of these dedicated shopping times are early in the morning. Most stores are thoroughly cleaning at the end of the day and the stores restock the shelves at night after trucks make their deliveries. The early shopping hours allow seniors and at-risk shoppers an opportunity to shop when the stores are cleaner and better stocked. In addition, stores are better able to reduce traffic from other shoppers if the store is not yet open for the day when the at-risk shopping time begins.
The early hours may seem like an inconvenience to some, but they are in place for the safety and benefit of those shoppers most at risk during this pandemic.
If you prefer to stay out of the store completely, most stores are offering store pick-up when you order online. Once you have ordered, chosen a pick-up time and paid for your order online, you can then drive-up to the store and an employee will bring your groceries out to your car.
Read on for the list of stores with adjusted in-store shopping hours including grocery stores, drug stores and warehouse clubs.
Aldi
Aldi is opening on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. and dedicating the first hour of business for vulnerable shoppers including including seniors, expectant mothers, and health compromised shoppers. See the details
on their website. Big Lots
As of July, the Big Lots website does not indicate that they are still offering early shopping hours for at-risk shoppers. Check with your specific store to see if it is offering special shopping hours for those at risk. See the details
on their website.
BJ's Wholesale Club
As of July 6, the BJ's Wholesale Club website indicates they are still offering a designated shopping hour on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 8:00 am – 9:00 am for Members 60 and over. Clubs will open at 9:00 am for the rest of their Members. You can see the information
on their Facebook page. In addition, First Responders have a designated shopping hour on Sundays from 8 AM to 9 AM.
Carlie C's
As of July 6,
Carlie C's is still offering a special shopping hour for Seniors 60+ on Sundays from 7 am-8 am. They also have online grocery shopping at 24 of their locations in North Carolina. Customers can do pickup or if they live within a 5 mile radius, they can get their groceries delivered to their house. They also have a mobile app so you can place your order from your phone.
Costco
Starting the week of July 13, special hours for members who are 60 or older will be from 9 to 10 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday.
From the Costco website: "Effective Monday, May 4, Costco warehouses will open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older, and people with disabilities. Only members who meet this criteria will be able to shop during these hours. Guests will not be admitted. The pharmacy will be open, but the Costco Food Court will be closed during these hours."
See their website for details. Dollar General
As of July 6, the Dollar General website indicates they are still asking customers to let seniors shop during the first hour of business each day. See the details
on their website.Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is dedicating the first hour of business in their stores to at-risk customers including senior citizens, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and pregnant women, until further notice. They are asking all other customers to wait at least one hour after the stores open to shop each day. See the details
on their website.Food Lion
As of July 6, the Food Lion website indicates it is still offering special shopping times for customers who are 60 and older or who are immunocompromised on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. each week. They are asking all other shoppers to respect these designated shopping windows for their at-risk neighbors. See the details
on their website.Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter has reserved Monday and Thursday mornings from 6 am to 8 am as senior shopping hours for shoppers age 60 and over beginning Monday, March 30.
According to the Harris Teeter Facebook page on March 27, "Starting Monday, March 30, we will offer TWO hours for Senior Shopping. Seniors and other vulnerable shoppers are invited to shop each Monday and Thursday from 6am to 8am. Starbucks will be open. Pharmacies will be open at 7am. And, we’ll have more fresh offerings available. We ask that our Harris Teeter shoppers reserve Monday and Thursday mornings from 6am to 8am for our seniors or other high-risk shoppers."
In addition, according to their website, "Harris Teeter will designate ExpressLane Online Shopping pick-up times from 9am to 2pm for seniors only every Thursday until further notice AND will waive the $4.95 fee & offer $5 delivery for seniors during these times.
This will allow our senior shoppers to take advantage of their 5% Senior Club discount, and it will provide a genuine opportunity for our senior shoppers to purchase what they need while practicing the CDC’s recommended social distancing guidelines." See the details
at HarrisTeeter.com. Lidl
Lidl is offering special shopping hours for customers over the age of 65, and those that are immunocompromised. The special shopping hours are from 7 - 8 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday at all Lidl stores. See the details
on their Facebook page. Lowes Foods
Lowes Foods is dedicating 7am-8am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to Seniors and those who are more vulnerable to the virus.
Publix
Beginning Saturday, May 16, Publix began offering new shopping hours from 7 am to 9 pm each day and the reserved shopping hours for customers who are 65 and older are longer be available.
See details HERE. Sam's Club
As of June 11, Sam's Club is still offering its Concierge Service for seniors and high risk members every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and Hero Hours every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., until further notice. See the details
on their website. Target
As of July 6, the first hour that Target stores are open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is still available for those over 65 years old, pregnant women and those defined by the CDC as vulnerable or at-risk. CVS pharmacies in Target stores will also be open during those times. See your local store opening times, at
Target.com/store-locator.Trader Joe's
As of July 6, the Trader Joe's website indicates that from 8AM - 9AM each day, most stores are open to senior customers (age 60 and over) and customers with disabilities who may need extra assistance. See the hours for your store
on their website. The Fresh Market
At The Fresh Market, each weekday from 8 AM – 9 AM will be reserved for seniors and other individuals most at risk (those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes). See the details
on their website. Walgreens
Senior hours are available to customers and patients age 55 and over every Tuesday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, for a limited time period. Pharmacy hours may vary by location. You may want to call your local store to see if they are still offering senior hours. See the details
on their website. Walmart
Walmart stores are offering a senior shopping hour every Tuesday for customers age 60 and older who may be more vulnerable. It starts one hour before the store opens. The pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during this time. See the details
on their website.
Whole Foods
As of July 6, most Whole Foods locations in the are are offering special hours for Guests 60 and older and those at high risk or with disabilities. They can shop in-store from 7 – 8 am on Wed and Fri. See the
store locator on their website to verify the hours for your local Whole Foods.
Additional Resources for Seniors
In addition to reserved shopping times for seniors, many businesses and organizations are offering delivery and drive-through services to help seniors reduce contact and still find the essentials they need.
CLICK HERE for a growing list of resources including free prescription delivery, free curbside grocery pick-up, grocery delivery options and food pantry assistance.
