U.S. Grocery Stores Adjust Hours Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

ACROSS AMERICA — Hordes of shoppers stocking up on peanut butter and fighting in store aisles over the last package of toilet paper are among reasons prompting grocery chains to adjust hours to allow staff more time to restock and clean shelves.

Several chains, including Kroger and Trader Joe's, recently announced store hours would be modified for various reasons, all of which stem from the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Some stores cited the health of employees as a reason for the move.

Other stores are also carving out time for the elderly and at-risk by setting aside the first hour or two of designated shopping days so these groups can shop before the general public.

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Here's a look at the latest grocery chains announcing updated hours. This information is subject to change as new closures are announced:

Albertson’s: Store hours are being updated by location. Please visit the local store's website to confirm hours. Also, Albertson’s is setting aside the hours of 7-9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursdays for elderly and at-risk shoppers.

ALDI: Stores are now open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Some stores may have limited hours to accommodate restocking and cleaning.

BJ's: The company has not announced changes to store hours.

Costco: The company has not announced changes to store hours.

Dollar General: All stores will close an hour earlier than the regular posted hours. The company also is recommending the first hour of each day be reserved for elderly and at-risk shoppers.

Fairway Market: While store hours remain normal, the company has announced closures of its 74th St Cafe and cooking school.

Giant Eagle: Giant Eagle and Market District stores are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Stores will continue to limit purchases on selected high-demand items.

Giant Foods: The company announced that its 24-hour locations would start closing at midnight and reopening at 6 a.m. ET the following day. Giant will also reserve the hour of 6-7 a.m. for seniors age 60 and older, and those with compromised immune systems.

Harris Teeter: Effective Thursday, stores will operate 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice. On Wednesday, stores will close at 9 p.m.

HEB: As of Sunday, HEB stores began opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice.

Hy-Vee: Starting Thursday, new store hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. Hy-Vee will offer a special shopping hour from 7 to 8 a.m. daily for senior citizens age 60 and older, expectant mothers and those who are considered to be at higher risk for serious illness.

Kroger: Selected stores in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee are operating under limited hours. See stores online.

Meijer: Though the company has maintained normal operating hours, it suspended full-service operations at its meat, seafood and bulk salad stations in stores.

Lidl: All stores will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice.

Publix: Beginning Wednesday, Publix Super Markets temporarily adjusted daily store hours companywide to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, in-store pharmacy hours will also change to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, Monday through Saturday and normal pharmacy hours on Sunday.

QFC: Stores will now be open 7 a.m to 11 p.m.

Safeway: A subsidiary of Albertson’s, Safeway store hours are being updated by location. Please visit your local store's website to confirm hours. Also, Safeway is setting aside the hours of 7-9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursdays for elderly and at-risk shoppers.

Sam’s Club: Opening hours are now 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours will remain 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prescheduled pickup orders will still be available starting at 7 a.m.

Stop & Shop: The grocery chain this week adjusted store hours to 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Stores will open early to service vulnerable customers from 6 to 7:30 a.m. daily.

Target: The company will close all stores at 9 p.m. and reserves the first shopping hour of every Wednesday for elderly and at-risk customers.

Trader Joe’s: All Trader Joe’s stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.

Walmart: Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice.

Wegman's: As of Tuesday, all stores are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Whole Foods: The company announced Tuesday it would adjust store hours, asking customers to check its website for more information on a specific store’s hours. Whole Foods will also reserve an hour before a store’s scheduled opening time each day to allow elderly and at-risk customers time to shop.

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