Seniors-only hours: More stores respond to their most vulnerable customers

In an effort to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society from the spread of coronavirus, grocery stores and pharmacists are creating shopping hours reserved for seniors and the disabled.

Yesterday, some IGA stores began reserving early opening hours for seniors only to help them get what they need and avoid contact with other people while they shop and now others have also followed suit.

Shoppers Drug Mart announced yesterday March 16, that it was dedicating the first opening hour each day to seniors, people living with disabilities, and customers who need assistance. The store has also said it will offer its Seniors Day discount of 20 per cent off during the hour.

Peter's Your Independent Grocer is also offering a similar service, opening its doors Wednesday and Friday between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. just for seniors and families who are in a position of vulnerability.

The Schubert Centre in Vernon is offering delivery from Safeway for seniors and mobility challenged shoppers. The delivery takes place between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Thursday and delivery are free for orders over $35. Those interested should call Safeway in Vernon at 250-545-2978 or 250-542-5328 to place an order.

Grocery giant Sobeys, which owns Safeway and Freshco among others, announced in a statement that from March 20 the first hour of opening at many of their stores will be for seniors and the most vulnerable and those who require extra attention. For more information check with your local store.

According to its website, Superstore is eliminating fees for people using their PC Express Pick-up program and bringing the price of home-delivered items down.

Have we missed any other grocery stores or pharmacies who have re-organized operations to help? Let us know in the comments below.

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