We need to protect vulnerable people in our community, especially seniors. To make grocery shopping safer, some stores have started setting aside an hour just for seniors or other at-risk people to shop.

Hours differ, so please call your local store to verify their opening hours and their special senior shopping hour. Many stores are changing their operating hours, to give them a chance to restock the shelves. Also, some are limiting the number of high-demand items that any one shopper can buy. Stores have also started limiting the number of people allowed in at the same time, and some are making one-way aisles, to make it easier to avoid passing by other people.

Senior Shopping Hours at Charlotte Area Stores

ALDI — Tuesdays and Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. is reserved for seniors, expectant mothers and those with health concerns. 

Big Lots — Big Lots is reserving the first hour of each day for senior citizens and other vulnerable people.

Bi-Lo — Seniors and high-risk customers are invited to shop 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.  Monday to Friday.

Costco — The discount warehouse is hosting special shopping hours for members 60 and older and people with physical disabilities from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, starting March 30th.

Dollar General – Dollar General is dedicating the first hour of operations each day solely for the shopping needs of senior customers.

Food Lion — Food Lion is reserving the hour of 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday for customers over the age of 60, and those identified as a high risk for severe illness.

Fresh Market — Fresh Market is reserving the first hour store open, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, for seniors and those most at risk.

Harris Teeter: Harris Teeter has set aside Mondays and Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. as senior shopping hours for shoppers aged 60 and over, starting March 30th. In addition, Harris Teeter is designating ExpressLane Online Shopping pick-up times from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for seniors only every Thursday, and it will waive the $4.95 fee and offer $5 delivery to seniors during these times.

Lidl: Customers over 65, and those with health conditions that put them at higher risk for complications, can shop from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. 

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet: Senior hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Publix: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. will be reserved for shoppers 65 and older.

Roses — Not a grocery store but they are dedicating the first hour every day to senior and at-risk customers at all their stores. Also, seniors get a 10% discount every Wednesday.

Sam’s Club — Sam’s Club is offering early shopping hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors and those with disabilities and compromised immune systems. This includes the pharmacy and optical centers. During these special shopping hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., these members can shop Sam’s Club without ever leaving their car. From a designated parking location, members in need can place their order from their car. Then, a Sam’s Club associate will grab the items on the list, and the member will use Scan & Go to check out.

Target – The big box retailer is reserving the first hour every Tuesday and Wednesday for “vulnerable guests” to shop, including seniors and those with underlying health conditions.

Trader Joe’s –Every day, the first hour of operation is dedicated to customers over the age of 60, and those with disabilities who might need extra assistance.

Walgreens: Every Tuesday is Senior Day. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. is dedicated to Tuesdays only. 

Walmart – From March 24 through April 28, Walmart’s 5,000-plus U.S. stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers 60 and older — one hour before stores open. Pharmacies and vision centers will be open during this time.

Whole Foods Market – All locations in the U.S. will allow customers 60 and older to shop one hour before opening to the general public. (For example, if a store opens at 9 a.m., seniors can start shopping at 8 a.m.)