A customer pushes her trolley next to empty shelves at a Sainsbury's store in Harpenden as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues
(Photo : REUTERS/Peter Cziborra)



Various grocery stores and retailers in the US have adjusted their operations to cater to vulnerable senior shoppers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supermarkets have started acknowledging at-risk groups who are more susceptible to coronavirus. The establishments are setting more time for workers to clean and restock the shelves. They've also started limiting the number of items buyers are allowed to take home.

Lockdown measures have caused consumers to storm groceries and panic-shop, leaving seniors and at-risk individuals without necessary supplies.

Stores saw long queues and empty aisles where toilet papers, hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, and cleansing wipes used to be displayed. Many were forced to ration their products to cater to more people.

The pandemic has also spurred many people across the nation to stock up on products like peanut butter, water, and canned goods in preparation for the government's stricter lockdown mandates.

In the aims of helping high-risk individuals receive basic supplies, large retailers such as Walmart have cut store hours and designated an hour-long senior shopping event.


Walmart will host a seniors-only shopping every Tuesday starting one hour before stores open to the general population. The event is expected to run from March 24 to April 28.

Walmart will also impose limits on basic supplies such as:

  1. Paper products
  2. Milk
  3. Eggs
  4. Cleaning Supplies
  5. Hand Sanitizer
  6. Water
  7. Diapers
  8. Wipes
  9. Formula
  10. Baby food

The retail company also announced it will add 150,000 new employees. Current employees earning on an hourly wage will also be awarded cash bonuses.

Albertsons, another retail giant, announced it will assign two hours every Tuesday and Thursday for vulnerable shoppers which include senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. 'Special shoppers' will be allowed to shop from 7 to 9 am.

Whole Foods Market stores located in the United States and Canada will let senior citizens shop for an hour before they open their doors to the public.

Target will introduce a seniors-only-hour event where those aged 60 and above, along with those with pre-existing medical conditions, will be able to shop. The event will be implemented every Wednesday an hour before they are set to serve the general public.


Dollar General, the Tennesee-based discount chain, also dedicated its first hour to senior shoppers. The chain also announced its stores will close an hour earlier.

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Federal health agencies and health officials continue to urge the general public to observe proper preventive measures such as washing hands regularly and social distancing.

Experts also advise against going out in public places where the virus can easily be contracted unless absolutely necessary. Hosting or attending a gathering of more than 10 people is not recommended.

Retail stores are calling the public to avoid panic buying as it is forcing them to ration food and household supplies to curtail shortage. They are also calling shoppers to "be considerate" of others who are going home without essentials.

"There is enough for everyone if we all work together. Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbors."