Costco hours for seniors helped promote health safety among seniors during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic last March 2020.
Seniors are vulnerable citizens who can easily contract the COVID-19 virus, considering that they have a weaker immune system. That’s why Costco created a shopping schedule specifically for seniors to limit their exposure to crowded places. Thus lessening their risk of contracting the virus.
What are Costco Hours for Seniors?
Costco hours for seniors refer to specific shopping hours at Costco allocated only for seniors aged 60 and above. Some Costco branches scheduled senior hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 10 am, while other branches from different states have their shopping hours for seniors starting at 8 am to 9 am.
This helps seniors shop with more convenience since there are a limited number of people during their schedule. At the same time, it’s Costco’s way of promoting health protocols during the pandemic.
Costco Shopping Hours
Costco already announced last March 2022 that they will be lifting Costco hours for seniors on April 2022. This is in line with the increase in citizens getting vaccinated and the decrease in COVID-19 cases within various states.
Why Did Costco Drop Shopping Hours for Seniors?
The Costco shopping hours for seniors are implemented to protect the most vulnerable against COVID-19 infection. However, as the vaccines are completely developed and more people are getting vaccinated, most general health protocols have started to get lifted including the shopping hours intended for seniors.
Now that the shopping hours for seniors are lifted, senior citizens can now shop at Costco either online or offline at any time of the day.
Are There Other Stores That Still Offer Shopping Hours for Seniors?
Seniors may have enjoyed allocated shopping hours for them and felt quite disappointed that Costco will no longer continue the practice. Fortunately, seniors can still conveniently shop at Costco using the online platform.
If you still want to experience senior shopping hours, you are not in vain because other shops still offer shopping hours for seniors including the following:
Lowe’s Food
Seniors, along with other immuno-compromised citizens and pregnant women can freely shop at Lowe’s food from 7 am to 8 am every Tuesday and Wednesday before their official opening hours. Lowe’s Food also offers online shopping for seniors and other individuals who don’t want to join the crowd during shopping hours.
Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter offers shopping hours for seniors every Monday and Thursday from 6 am to 8 am. The shop’s express lane is also reserved from 9 am to 2 pm every Thursday for seniors who need to pick up their groceries shopped online.
Dollar General
At Dollar General, they always allocate their first hour of operations to seniors. Most Dollar General shops across the US also converted to a self-checkout shopping style for a more convenient experience for seniors. Also, for those who prefer to pick up their items, customers can shop at Dollar General’s online shopping site.
Food City
Seniors who are 65 years old and above are eligible to shop at Food City during senior shopping hours that start from 7 am to 8 am every day. Also, at 7 am every Monday, seniors can get prescriptions from Food City pharmacies.
BJ’s Wholesale
Seniors aged 60 and above are eligible to shop at any BJ’s Wholesale shop during their senior hours from 8 am to 9 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Healthcare workers and first responders have also their designated shopping hours every Sunday morning.
Kroger
The availability of senior shopping hours at Kroger may depend on the location. Some Kroger branches allocate their first hour of operations to seniors and immuno-compromised individuals. Do contact the nearest Kroger store to ask if they offer such a service. Additionally, you can shop online and pick up your items or have them delivered right to your doorstep.
Aldi
Most Aldi shops open at 8:30 am for its shoppers, but on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aldi stores allocate their first hour for seniors, pregnant women, and other individuals with health issues. Also, like other stores, you can shop online at aldi.com and get your groceries via delivery or pick-up. You can also use the same site to check the operating hours of the Aldi store nearest to you.
Target
Every Tuesday, seniors, disabled, pregnant women, and other individuals with health issues can come to Target at 8 am to shop with ease and convenience. You can also opt for online shopping and delivery if you’re not fond of coming to the shop that early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Costco stores open?
Costco's opening hours may differ from location to location, but most stores usually open from 10 am to 8:30 pm during weekdays, 9:30 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. For more precise opening and closing times of the nearest Costco store, use Costco’s store locator.
Will there be another season for senior shopping hours at Costco?
There will not be another season for senior shopping hours at Costco since the shop decided to lift the protocol on April 2022.
Do other Costco stores still offer shopping hours for seniors?
All Costco stores already lifted their shopping hours for seniors since the COVID-19 pandemic surge has eased and more citizens are getting vaccinated.
Final Thoughts
Costco is one of the renowned stores in the US, and they always make seniors a priority, especially in times of the pandemic. Unfortunately, Costco no longer offers shopping hours for seniors, but you can always visit their store anytime or enjoy convenient shopping via their official online shopping site. Aside from Costco, other stores still offer senior shopping hours which are listed above.