Coronavirus CT: Top Grocery Stores Amend Hours, Services

CONNECTICUT — Three of the state's most prominent grocery stores, Stop & Shop, ShopRite and Big Y have announced significant changes including amending its store hours and changes to service due to ongoing concerns over the coronavirus.

Both Big Y and Stop & Shop announced that beginning on Monday, March 16 store hours will change in an effort to allow employees more time to stock shelves, which have become barren as folks stock up on the essentials. All three grocery store chains have made significant changes to services and implemented a rigorous cleaning program.

Big Y Store Hours Change

In a Sunday update, Big Y officials said, "Beginning Monday, March 16, Big Y will adjust store hours to open at 7:30 AM and close at 8 PM until further notice. This will give our store teams time to conduct additional preventive sanitation and restock product on shelves. These are just some of the extra measures Big Y is taking across our entire operation to safeguard the health and well-being of our customers, our associates, and our communities. We appreciate your understanding."

Stop & Shop Store Hours Change

Stop & Shop officials said all store locations "remain open and while we – like all retailers – are experiencing some shortages, we are doing everything possible to get products to our stores and to restock the shelves in every community. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as our teams continue to work hard to do so."

Updated Store Hours at Stop & Shop

"In order to allow more time for our associates to unload deliveries, stock shelves, and better serve you throughout the day, we are adjusting our hours to 7:30a.m.-8:00p.m. at most stores beginning Monday, March 16, until further notice.

Pickup Services Temporarily Suspended at Stop & Shop

"As a result of unprecedented demand as well as product shortages in some areas, we have temporarily suspended our online pickup service until further notice. Our store associates will instead focus on stocking product and other key priorities that will better meet the needs of all customers at this time. The service will be made available again once product availability increases."

Delays with Home Delivery at Stop & Shop

"We recognize that online shoppers may be experiencing delays on our website as well as with our delivery times. This is again due to extremely high demand, and our teams are working incredibly hard to ensure the site is running smoothly so that you can continue to receive orders when you need them. (Don't miss updates in Connecticut concerning the Coronavirus as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.)

ShopRite Changes Due To Coronavirus Concerns

They have suspended in-store events and product sampling programs. "...Like all retailers, we are in short supply of many items that are in high demand right now. As a result, items such as disinfectant cleaners and wipes, bar and liquid soaps, water, cough/cold over the counter medicines and other key categories are now limited to a purchase of two."

"We’re working with our suppliers to keep these items on the shelf for you and we appreciate your cooperation in limiting your purchases so that everyone can get the products they need. Due to high demand, quantities of select products will be limited. Please click here for a list of items. If you order more than the allocated quantity, your order will be modified."

ShopRite from Home Program

"As you can imagine, the demand for online shopping services is at an all-time high. Please bear with us -- we are doing our best to fill your orders accurately and on time. We’ve scaled up our servers in preparation, but the traffic continues to grow, so please be patient as the site may experience some delays."

Drop at Your Door Delivery ShopRite Program

"We have modified our delivery procedures. Your driver will call or text you when they are on their way to make your delivery. Your delivery will be left at your door unattended. Please read instructions in the checkout process and provided your mobile phone number in the Delivery Instructions field at checkout when placing delivery orders. Note, payment options may have changed to accommodate this service."