Some retailers in western Washington are offering time for the most vulnerable customers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to shop around without the crowds.
Officials have said older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to COVID-19, so several stores are dedicating time or opening earlier specifically for those customers.
Below is a full list of major retailers helping seniors and vulnerable:
Albertsons: The company, which owns more than 2,200 stores nationwide like Acme, Vons, and Safeway has announced it will reserve time every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. for certain customers. Click here for a list of stores.
Big Lots: Stores will reserve the first hour of each day for senior citizens and those vulnerable victims. CEO Bruce Thorn announced this change "to protect our friends and family."
Costco Wholesale Club: The store announced on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Costco will temporarily implement special operating hours for members who are 60 and older. Costco said the pharmacy will be open, but the food court will be closed.
Dollar General: The discount chain announced the first hour of business in its 16,000 stores in 44 states for older and vulnerable shoppers. The company also announced all stores will close one hour earlier to give employees a chance to clean and restock the shelves.
Fred Meyer: Is offering exclusive shopping for seniors 60 years of age and older from 7-8 a.m. Monday-Thursday.
Metropolitan Market: Metropolitan Market announced it would offer seniors and any other at-risk customers, including pregnant women, a special shopping time from 7-8 a.m. daily.
New Seasons Markets: Seniors and at-risk customers will have reserved shopping hours daily from 8-9 a.m. The store is also extending its Senior Discount to all hours every day.
PCC Markets: PCC announced that all stores will reserve 7-8 a.m. every day for customers 60 and older, pregnant, or at high risk for infection. The store is asking customers who do not fall within those categories to shop after 8 a.m.
QFC: Is offering exclusive shopping for seniors 60 years of age and older from 7-8 a.m. Monday-Thursday. The store is normally open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for everyone.
Safeway: From 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, the company is reserving time for vulnerable shoppers.
Target: The major retailer announced all stores will close by 9 p.m. daily, but the first hour of shopping each Wednesday will be reserved for vulnerable guests. The modified closing time will allow for employees to clean and restock the shelves.
Town & Country Markets: Town and County Markets announced it set aside specific shopping time for customers 60 and older, with underlying health conditions, and customers that are pregnant. The special shopping times for the Ballard Market are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-11 a.m. Special shopping times for all other markets are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7-9 a.m.
Uwajimaya: Special shopping times for seniors were announced on March 20. Special hours at the Seattle location are daily from 8-9 a.m. Special hours at the Bellevue, Renton, and Beaverton, Ore. stores are from 8-9 a.m. every Tuesday.
Walmart: The company announced its stores will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. each day. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours. Each Tuesday, an hour before stores open, customers aged 60 or older will be able to shop. It goes through April 28.
Whole Foods Market: All Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will let customers who are 60 and older shop one hour before opening to the public.
If you see a store that has special shopping hours for at-risk customers that is not on our list, please send an email to webseattle@KING5.com.