Coronavirus australian supermarkets open early for elderly shoppers
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australian supermarkets took steps to support elderly and vulnerable shoppers by opening early or offering special shopping hours. Here are some examples:
- Woolworths: Woolworths, one of the largest supermarket chains in Australia, introduced a "Seniors Hour" program, where they opened their stores an hour early (8:00 AM) for customers aged 60 and above. This allowed elderly shoppers to avoid the crowds and shop in a more relaxed environment.
- Coles: Coles, another major supermarket chain, also introduced a "Seniors Hour" program, opening their stores an hour early (7:00 AM) for customers aged 60 and above.
- Aldi: Aldi, a discount supermarket chain, opened their stores an hour early (7:00 AM) for customers aged 65 and above.
- IGA: Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA), a network of independent supermarkets, also offered special shopping hours for elderly customers. Some IGA stores opened early, while others offered dedicated shopping times for seniors.
- Foodworks: Foodworks, a supermarket chain in Western Australia, opened their stores an hour early (7:00 AM) for customers aged 65 and above.
These special shopping hours were designed to help elderly and vulnerable shoppers avoid the crowds and long queues that often formed during the pandemic. By opening early, supermarkets aimed to provide a more comfortable and convenient shopping experience for these customers.
It's worth noting that these special shopping hours may have varied by store and region, so it's always a good idea to check with your local supermarket to confirm their hours and policies.