Due to COVID-19, many businesses have altered their hours of operation to accommodate high-risk individuals who may not be able to leave their homes during the day. If you’re among them and looking to buy groceries or stock up on a few items, the stores below offer special hours to vulnerable shoppers.
If you know of any other businesses that should be included in this list, email mrussell@springfieldmo.org.
ALDI: On Tuesday and Thursday, ALDI stores will open at 8:30 a.m. and reserve the first hour of business for vulnerable shoppers. This includes senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health concerns.
Big Lots: All of the stores are reserving the first hour of each day for senior citizens and those most vulnerable to this virus. Anyone 65 or older and those with underlying health concerns who feel they are most vulnerable to the virus are welcome to shop during the senior hour.
Dollar General: Dollar General Corporation announced plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers, as well as amend store operating hours beginning March 17, 2020. Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. In keeping with the company’s mission of serving others, Dollar General wants to provide these at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need and want at the beginning of each day to avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods.
Hy-Vee: Starting March 19, all stores will reserve one hour of shopping for customers at higher risk for illness. Customers age 60+, expectant moms and anyone with an underlying condition can shop from 7-8 a.m. daily. All other customers, visit during their new store hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sam’s Club: Sam’s Club locations nationwide offer early shopping hours from 7-9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. This includes pharmacy and optical centers and will last until further notice.
Target: Target has introduced dedicated shopping time for their most vulnerable guests, making the first hour stores are open on Tuesday and Wednesday available for those over 65 years old, pregnant women and those defined by the CDC as vulnerable or at-risk. To confirm local store opening times, visit Target.com/store-locator.
During these hours, team members will be outside stores, reminding guests to practice social distancing both in line and when entering the store. CVS pharmacies in stores will also be open so guests can pick up prescriptions, along with any food, essentials and other items they need. Any product limits still apply.
Walmart: Walmart is offering special shopping hours from March 24 through April 28. Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time.
Walgreens: Every Tuesday for the near future, Walgreens stores will open at 8 a.m., with the full hour from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. dedicated to senior citizens. This hour is also available to their caregivers and immediate families may also visit the store during this time. Additionally, they will offer their senior day discount all day on Tuesday during this time. Customers age 55 and older will receive 30 percent off regularly priced Walgreens brands and 20 percent off regularly priced national brands.
