Many chain stores continue to offer shopping hours set aside for seniors. Here are the senior shopping hours and mask policies at major shopping chains.
What follows is a day-by-day summary of senior shopping opportunities. Details for each chain store follow.
Mondays:
- Big Lots first hour of business, usually 9-10 am.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club 8-9 am.
- Costco 9-10 am.
- Dollar General first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
- Family Dollar first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Food Lion 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
- Fresh Market 8-9 a.m.
- Harris Teeter 6-8 a.m.
Tuesdays:
- Aldi’s first hour of business, usually 8:30-9:30
- Big Lots first hour of business, usually 9-10 am.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club 8-9 am.
- Costco 9-10 am.
- Dollar General first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
- Dollar Tree first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Family Dollar first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Fresh Market 8-9 a.m.
- Lowes Foods 7-8 a.m.
- Sam’s Club 7-9 a.m.
- Target first hour of business, usually 7-8 a.m. or 8-9 a.m.
- Walmart starting one hour before the store regularly opens; usually 6-7 a.m.
Wednesdays
- Big Lots first hour of business, usually 9-10 am.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club 8-9 am.
- Costco 9-10 am.
- CVS 9-10 am.
- Dollar General first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
- Dollar Tree first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Family Dollar first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Food Lion 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
- Fresh Market 8-9 a.m.
- Kohl’s 9-10 a.m.
- Lowes Foods 7-8 a.m.
- Target first hour of business, usually 7-8 a.m. or 8-9 a.m.
- Trader Joe’s first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
Thursdays
- Aldi’s first hour of business, usually 8:30-9:30.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club 8-9 am.
- Dollar Tree first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Family Dollar first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Fresh Market 8-9 a.m.
- Harris Teeter 6-8 a.m.
- Sam’s Club 7-9 a.m.
Fridays
- Big Lots first hour of business, usually 9-10 am.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club 8-9 am.
- Costco 9-10 am.
- Dollar General first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
- Dollar Tree first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Family Dollar first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Fresh Market 8-9 a.m.
- Whole Foods starting one hour before regular opening; usually 7-8 a.m.
Saturdays
- Big Lots first hour of business, usually 9-10 am.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club 8-9 am.
- Dollar General first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
- Dollar Tree first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Family Dollar first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
Sundays
- Big Lots first hour of business, usually 9-10 am.
- Dollar General first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
- Dollar Tree first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Family Dollar first hour of business, usually 8-9 am or 9-10 am.
- Trader Joe’s first hour of business, usually 8-9 am.
Senior Shopping By Store
Aldi’s
Senior Shopping: Aldi’s has reserved the first hour of business on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and other shoppers most vulnerable to Covid-19. At most Aldi’s the first hour is 8:30 to 9:30 am but you can confirm details at: Aldi’s Locations. The chain is also offering curbside pickup at many locations. More details are at: Aldi Senior Shopping Hours.
Mask Policy: Starting July 27, Aldi’s requires all customers to wear a mask.
“We encourage any customer that is unable or unwilling to wear a face covering, to visit shop.aldi.us for grocery delivery – and even Curbside Grocery Pickup in many locations,” Aldi’s said.
Big Lots
Senior Shopping: Big Lots has set aside the first hour of operation every day for seniors and others most vulnerable to Covid-19, the company announced. At most stores this is 9-10 am. To confirm the senior shopping hours contact your local Big Lots store.
Big Lots Mask Policy: Starting July 29, Big Lots requires all customers to wear a mask.
“Because the health and safety of our customers and associates continues to be our top priority, face coverings will be required in all Big Lots stores across the U.S. starting Wednesday July 29,” Big Lots announced. “We are happy to provide masks to customers who need them.”
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Senior Shopping: All BJ’s Wholesale Club locations have a senior shopping hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday for shoppers ages 60 and older. More details are at: BJ’s Senior Shopping Hours. Senior shopping days can vary by location so you may want to confirm the senior shopping hours at your location by visiting: BJ’s Location Details. Details for each BJ’s location show the senior shopping hours.
Mask Policy: Starting July 20, 2020, BJ’s will require all customers to wear a face mask. “Effective Monday, July 20, 2020, anyone entering a BJ’s location will be required to wear a facial covering that covers both the mouth and nose at all times while shopping in our Clubs. Children under the age of 2 are not required to wear a facial covering,” BJ’s announced. For more details see: BJ’s Coronavirus Policies.
Costco
Senior Shopping: Costco has a senior shopping hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. The shopping hour is reserved for shoppers ages 60 and older, and people with disabilities. For more details see: Costco Coronavirus Update
Mask Policy: Costco requires all shoppers to wear a face mask. “To protect our members and employees, all Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times while at Costco. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition,” Costco said.
CVS
Senior Shopping: CVS has set aside 9-10 am Wednesdays as the shopping time reserved for seniors and other high-risk individuals. Some exceptions are listed at: CVS Senior Hours
Mask Policy: CVS requires all customers to wear a face mask, starting July 20, 2020.
“With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections, we’re joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings when entering any of our stores throughout the country effective Monday, July 20,” CVS announced.
Dollar General
Senior Shopping: Dollar General stores have reserved their first shopping hour every day for senior citizens. This is usually 8-9 am but will vary by location.
“We’re dedicating the first hour of every day to our senior customers so some of our most vulnerable neighbors have the ability to get the things they need during less busy shopping periods,” the retailer said. For more details see: Dollar General Senior Shopping Hours
Mask Policy: Dollar General recommends but does not require customers to wear a mask unless local regulations require it.
Dollar Tree
Senior Shopping: Dollar Tree stores have reserved their first hour for at-risk customers, including senior citizens, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and pregnant women. At most locations this is either 8-9 am or 9-10 am. For more details see: Dollar Tree Senior Shopping Hours
Mask Policy: Dollar Tree recommends but does not require customers to wear a mask unless local regulations require it.
Family Dollar
Senior Shopping: Family Dollar stores have reserved their first hour for at-risk customers, including senior citizens, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and pregnant women. At most locations this is 9-10 am For more details see: Family Dollar Senior Shopping Hours
Mask Policy: Family Dollar recommends but does not require customers to wear a mask unless local regulations require it.
Food Lion
Senior Shopping: Food Lion has senior shopping hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. For more details see: Food Lion Covid-19 Actions
Mask Policy: Food Lion recommends but does not require customers to wear a mask unless local regulations require it.
Fresh Market
Senior Hours: Fresh Market has reserved the first shopping hour of 8 AM – 9 AM on weekdays for seniors and other individuals most at risk. “We ask that our other guests who do not fall into these categories respect these special hours for those who fall into the higher risk categories as outlined by the CDC, so they can feel more comfortable shopping in our stores,” the company announced. For more details see: Fresh Market Covid-19 Actions
Mask Policy: Fresh Market requires all customers to wear a face mask. “The Fresh Market, as a safety precaution and in accordance with guidance from health authorities, will require all guests to wear face coverings when shopping in their stores, starting Tuesday, April 14,” Fresh Market announced.
Harris Teeter
Senior Shopping: Harris Teeter has senior shopping hours from 6-8 am on Monday and Thursday mornings. The grocery chain offers two hours for senior shoppers aged 60 and over each Monday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Harris Teeter also opens its Pharmacies at 7 a.m. every Monday and Thursday and provides more fresh offerings during the designated senior shopping hours, the chain announced.
Harris Teeter is also designating Express Lane Online Shopping pick-up times from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for seniors only every Thursday. The company will waive the $4.95 fee and offer $5 delivery (normally $10) for seniors during these times. For more details see: Harris Teeter Offers Senior Shopping Hours
Mask Policy: Harris Teeter requires all customers to wear a mask starting July 22, 2020.
“Effective, Wednesday July 22, we will require all shoppers to wear a mask when visiting our stores, joining our associates who continue to wear masks. We are taking this extra step now because we recognize additional precautions are needed to protect our country.
“We respect and acknowledge that some shoppers, due to medical reasons, may not be able to wear a mask (small children are exempt). We encourage those shoppers to consider an alternative option like a face shield or facial covering. If they’re unable to wear a mask or an alternative design, our expertly trained associates will be happy to shop for them through our ExpressLane Online Shopping service, or they may choose to take advantage of delivery options where available,” Harris Teeter announced.
Kohl’s
Senior Shopping: Kohl’s has a senior shopping hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday. “We’re opening early every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for our customers who are age 60+, who are pregnant or who have underlying health conditions,” Kohl’s said. More details are at: Kohl’s Senior Shopping Hours.
Mask Policy: Starting July 20, 2020, Kohl’s requires all customers to wear a face mask. “Beginning Monday, July 20, we will require all customers to wear a face covering while shopping in our stores. This mask requirement does not apply to individuals unable to wear a mask for medical reasons,” Kohl’s announced. For more details see: Kohl’s Coronavirus Policies.
Kroger
Senior Shopping: Kroger has senior shopping hours that vary by location. At select Kroger stores the first hour of business, usually 7am – 8am, is set aside day for seniors and other high-risk individuals, Kroger said. To confirm the senior shopping hours contact your local Krogers.
Mask Policy: Kroger will require all customers to wear a face mask, starting July 22, 2020.
“We respect and acknowledge that some customers, due to medical reasons, may not be able to wear a mask (small children are exempt). We encourage those customers to consider an alternative option like a face shield or facial covering. If they’re unable to wear a mask or an alternative design, we request that they use our ecommerce services like pickup or delivery. To support all households during the COVID-19 pandemic, our grocery pickup service remains free (generally a $4.95 fee),” Kroger announced.
Lowes Foods
Senior Shopping: Lowes Foods has senior shopping hours from 7 to 8 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. “We are here to serve you from 7am to 9pm daily. We strongly encourage everyone to help us dedicate from 7am to 8am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to Seniors and those who are more vulnerable to the virus (including those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and those with underlying health issues,” the grocery chain said. For more details see: Lowe’s Covid-19 Actions.
Mask Policy: Lowe’s recommends but does not require customers to wear a mask unless local regulations require it.
Publix
Senior Shopping: Publix no longer has a senior shopping hour.
“Publix stores are now open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the pharmacy has returned to regular operating hours.
“With our newly expanded hours, we have suspended reserved shopping hours. We do understand some customers prefer to shop when the stores are less crowded. We encourage you to shop during the first hour of the day, when we can better accommodate that need,” Publix said.
Mask Policy: Publix requires all customers to wear a face mask, starting July 21, 2020. For more details see: Publix Coronavirus Policies
Sam’s Club
Senior Shopping: Sam’s Club has early shopping hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. In addition, first responders and healthcare workers are welcomed for special shopping hours on Sundays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. For more details see: Sam’s Club Senior Shopping Hours.
Sam’s Club also recently announced the nationwide launch of curbside pickup.
Mask Policy: Sam’s Club will require all customers to wear a face mask, starting July 20, 2020.
“To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20,” the company announced.
“Complimentary masks will be provided if the member doesn’t have one.”
Target
Senior Shopping: Target has a senior shopping hour on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. At most Target stores, the first hour, either 7 to 8 or 8 to 9 am, is reserved for senior citizens and others who are especially vulnerable to Covid-19. To confirm the senior shopping hours at your local Target visit https://www.target.com/store-locator then click on Store Info. You should see Reserved for Vulnerable Guests store hours.
Mask Policy: Target requires all customers to wear a face mask.
“Starting August 1, we’re requiring guests to wear masks or face coverings in all of our stores, except for those with underlying medical conditions and young children. To help our guests, we’ll be:
- Providing disposable masks at our store entrances to guests who do not have one.
- Adding signage, overhead audio reminders and stationing team members at store entrances to remind guests to wear masks.
- Guiding guests to shop our various no-contact fulfillment options, including Drive Up, Target.com and Shipt, if they’d prefer,” Target announced.
Trader Joe’s
Senior Shopping: Trader Joe’s has set aside the first hour of operation on Wednesdays and Sundays for seniors over the age of 60 and customers with disabilities who may need additional assistance while shopping. At most Trader Joe’s this is 8-9 am. To confirm the senior shopping hours at your local Trader Joe’s visit https://www.traderjoes.com/stores then click on your store to see senior shopping hours.
Mask Policy: Trader Joe’s requires all customers to wear a mask.
“We require customers wear a face covering while shopping in our stores. This does not apply to young children and those with medical conditions who are not able to wear face coverings,”
Trader Joe’s announced.
Walgreens
Senior Shopping: Walgreens has a senior shopping hour from 8-9 am on the first Tuesday of the month. Also on the first Tuesday, customers age 55 and older will receive 30 percent off regularly priced Walgreens brands and 20 percent off regularly priced national brands. For more details see: Walgreens Senior Hour.
Mask Policy: Walgreens requires all customers to wear a face mask. “Customers are asked to wear face covers before entering the store except where doing so would inhibit the individual’s health or where the individual is under two years of age. We have instated new front door signage instructing customers of the face cover requirement,” Walgreens announced.
Walmart
Senior Shopping: Senior shopping hours at Walmart are only on Tuesdays, starting one hour before the store regularly opens. At most stores the Tuesday senior shopping hour is 6-7 am. Walmart said its pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during this time. For more details see: Walmart Senior Shopping Hours
Walmart also has a Pickup hour reserved for seniors every day and an in-store senior shopping hour on Tuesdays. Senior pickup hour is 7-8 am daily.
Mask Policy: Walmart requires all customers to wear a face mask, starting July 20, 2020.
“To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20,” Walmart announced.
“In addition to posting clear signage at the front of our stores, Walmart has created the role of Health Ambassador and will station them near the entrance to remind those without a mask of our new requirements. Our ambassadors will receive special training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers. The ambassadors, identifiable by their black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution. We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20.
To help ensure consistency with this new process, all stores will have a single entrance,” the company announced. “Complimentary masks will be provided if the member doesn’t have one.”
Whole Foods
Senior Shopping: Whole Foods has a senior shopping hour starting one hour before regular opening on Fridays. At most stores this is 7-8 am. To confirm the senior shopping hours at your local Whole Foods visit https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores then click on your store to see senior shopping hours.
Mask Policy: Whole Foods requires all customers to wear a face mask.
“We are requesting that all customers wear masks while shopping in our stores to protect the health and safety of our team members and communities. Whole Foods Market will be providing face masks at the entrance of all stores for customers who do not have their own face covering,” Whole Foods announced.
