Illinois Retail Merchants Association Announces “COVID-19 Grocery Store Hours” for Senior Citizens

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) announced today that the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) is working with grocers and pharmacies to establish store hours designated for senior citizens. This is intended to reduce their exposure to the general public and help to reduce their chances of contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) which seems to affect seniors and those with underlying health issues more adversely. Stores include those 60 and older, expectant mothers, and those with underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to serious illness. 

This list is subject to change and stores not listed are operating under normal business hours until further notice:

COVID-19 Grocery Store Hours

ALDI

On Tuesdays and Thursdays our stores will open early at 8:30 a.m. for senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health concerns. Otherwise, ALDI stores across the country will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the general public. Some stores may have limited hours to accommodate restocking and cleaning.

Capri IGA

Stores will be open only to senior citizens and at risk customers from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for seniors and at risk customers.

CVS

Stores and pharmacies are operating with normal hours.

Dollar General

Dollar General’s first hour of operations each day will be dedicated solely to the shopping needs of senior customers. Stores will also close an hour earlier in order for employees to clean and restock shelved.

Kohl’s

Most Kohl’s stores are currently operating on an 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule. Customers are encouraged to check with their local Kohl’s to confirm these hours.

Jewel-Osco

Vulnerable population including senior citizens and pregnant individuals are invited to have priority shopping on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Kroger

Kroger is America’s largest grocer—operating thousands of markets over a dozen brand names including Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fry’s Food Stores, Food 4 Less, Foods Co., Fred Meyer, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Jay-C Food Stores, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Owen’s Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick ‘N Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler Foods, and Smith’s Food and Drug. 

Adjusted store hours vary by location, but most are open from 7 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. The store hours vary depending on brand name and market.

Sam’s Club

Starting Tuesday, March 17, stores will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday hours will remain 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Schnucks

Beginning on Wednesday, March 18 and continuing indefinitely, Schnucks is reserving the first hour of each day – from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. – for shopping by seniors aged 60 and above, and for those who are most at risk of COVID-19.

Shop and Save

Stores will be open early from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for seniors.

Target

All Target stores will be closing at 9 p.m. daily so stores will be replenished and deep cleaned.

Also beginning March 18, Target will reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests – including elderly and those with underlying health concerns. Target is encouraging other guests to plan their shopping trips around this timeframe.

Walgreens

Stores and pharmacies are operating with normal hours.

Walmart

Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours.

Beginning March 24, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens.  Our pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time.

Stores will have limits for customers in certain categories including paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula and baby food.