In addition to reducing total store hours to allow decontamination of stores and restocking of shelves, operators are now designating time periods to accommodate senior citizens. The elderly are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 and the concession to allow a dedicated period for those at risk will be beneficial in terms of both “flattening the curve” and reducing possible complications following infection.
Target has reserved the first hour of shopping on Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests. Local chains in Anaheim, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, Phoenix, AZ and Minneapolis, MN have all introduced programs mostly from 06H00 to 07H00 for senior citizens and those with predisposing health conditions to shop with greater security.