Retailers dedicate 1st hour of shopping to seniors

Retailers are doing their part to help the most vulnerable groups during the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. 

Dollar General announced that it is dedicating the first hour of each shopping day to the senior community, beginning on March 17.

Senior shoppers, who are one of the most vulnerable groups to the COVID-19 virus, are encouraged to stop by the Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based retailer’s locations to pick up essentials they need while also avoiding the busier and more crowded shopping periods, the company said.

“In keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors. We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO said. “During these unprecedented times, Dollar General is diligently working to meet the ongoing needs of our customers and communities. We are proud to live our mission and provide customers with everyday low prices on the household essentials that are used and replenished most often.”

In addition, Dollar General plans to close its doors an hour earlier than usual in order to allow employees time to clean and re-stock store shelves.

Joining Dollar General's efforts is Stop & Shop, who also announced that beginning March 19, its locations will cater to those who are 60 years old and older from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. 

Stop & Shop also will adjust its store hours in order to allow employees more time to unload deliveries, stock shelves and take time to rest as well. There also are added cleaning and sanitation efforts occurring throughout the day at stores.