Advertisement

BJ's Is Offering Free Memberships and "Appreciation Hours" for First Responders and Healthcare Workers

Photo credit: PaulMcKinnon - Getty Images
Photo credit: PaulMcKinnon - Getty Images

From Good Housekeeping

As the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to make its way around the United States, many stores and restaurants have been forced to shut their doors due to public health concerns. Luckily, several grocery and convenience stores are still open, so you can stock up on all the essentials that your family needs while you practice social distancing.

With that being said, you should only take trips to the grocery store and pharmacy when absolutely necessary. On April 5, the White House advised that everyone put a pause on errands while the coronavirus outbreak is at is peak. If possible, opt for grocery delivery or curbside pickup. But if you must head to the store during the next few weeks, practice social distancing and proper hygiene, and wear a face covering while out in public. Seniors and at-risk customers should shop during designated hours.

To protect their customers and store associates, many major retailers altered their store hours, cleaning procedures, and delivery options in recent weeks. Walmart was a leader in this change, releasing a statement breaking down the ways that they would help better serve their employees and customers:

Starting Thursday, March 19, Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates can clean and stock products. Stores operating under more reduced hours will keep current hours of operation.

As a reminder, the COVID-19 outbreak is evolving by the minute, which means the hours and status of your local stores may be changing, too. It's best to call your nearest chain before you head out to get the most up-to-date information on closings, hour changes, and more.

Here's a list of stores we've confirmed are still open (closings and hours are subject to change):

  • Albertsons: Some stores have adjusted hours, depending on location. Every store is open from 7 to 9 .am. for the elderly and vulnerable to shop.

  • ALDI: Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stores are open from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers to shop.

  • Big Y: Stores remain open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Every store is open from 7 to 8 a.m. for seniors and at-risk customers.

  • BJ's: Stores are operating with normal hours. Anyone 60 and older can shop from 8 to 9 a.m. Starting Sunday, April 19, stores will host an "Appreciation Hour" from 8 to 9 a.m. on Sundays for first responders and healthcare workers. During this designated time, they can shop without a BJ's membership, or sign up for a free, four-month Inner Circle membership.

  • Costco: Some stores have adjusted hours. Call your local store for exact hours. Any member 60 and older can shop from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. No more than two people can enter the store with each membership card at one time.

  • Cumberland Farms: Stores are operating with normal hours.

  • CVS: Stores and pharmacies are operating with normal hours.

  • Dollar General: All stores will close one hour early. The first hour of operation is reserved for senior citizens. All healthcare workers and first responders save 10%.

  • Food Town: Stores are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 a.m. to avoid crowds.

  • Fresh Market: Stores are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. All seniors and at-risk customers can shop 8 to 9 a.m.

  • Fred Meyer: All stores are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Seniors and at-risk customers can shop 7 to 8 a.m. on Monday through Thursday.

  • Gelson's: Stores are operating with normal hours. Anyone 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 a.m. to avoid crowds.

  • Harris Teeter: All stores are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Every Monday and Thursday from 6 to 7 a.m. is reserved for shoppers 60 and older.

  • HEB: Stores remain open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All stores offer the Favor Senior Support Line, a personal shopping and delivery service for at-risk customers, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m daily.

  • The Home Depot: All stores close at 6 p.m. In-store classes and workshops are canceled.

  • Kroger: Adjusted store hours vary by location, but most are open from 7 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. Find your local store hours here. All stores open at least one hour earlier for seniors, first responders, and at-risk customers.

  • Lowe's: All stores close at 7 p.m. daily.

  • Pavilions: Some stores have adjusted hours, depending on location. Stores are open from 7 to 9 .am. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and at-risk customers.

  • Price Chopper: Stores are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Seniors and at-risk customers can shop from 7 to 8 a.m.

  • Publix: All stores are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone 65 and older can shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. First responders and hospital staff can shop during reserved times: Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 7 to 8 a.m.

  • Ralphs: Most stores are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone 60 and older can shop from 6 to 7:30 a.m.

  • Rite Aid: Stores and pharmacies are operating with normal hours. Seniors and at-risk customers can shop from 9 to 10 a.m. on weekdays.

  • Safeway: Some stores have adjusted hours, depending on location. Every store is open from 7 to 9 .am. for the elderly and vulnerable to shop.

  • Sam's Club: All stores are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours remain 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Seniors and at-risk customers can shop from 7 to 9 a.m. At this time, members can place their order from their car, and a Sam’s Club associate will grab the items on the list as a part of "Shop from Your Car" Service.

  • Save Mart: Stores are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. First responders can shop one hour before and one hour after posted store hours.

  • ShopRite: Stores are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Seniors and at-risk customers can shop from 7 to 8 a.m.

  • Stop & Shop: All stores open 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Online pickup has been suspended. Anyone 60 and older can shop from 6 to 7:30 a.m. daily. Starting April 8, seniors and at-risk customers can get Uber rides to the store up to twice per week at 50% off with code STOPSHOPUBER.

  • Target: All stores close by 9 p.m. Every store is dedicating the first hour each Tuesday and Wednesday for elderly and vulnerable to shop. Store associates and distribution center members can shop an hour before stores open every Monday, Friday, and Saturday.

  • Trader Joe's: All stores are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stores will dedicate the first hour (either 8 to 9 .am. or 9 to 10 a.m.) to seniors and at-risk customers. Call your local store to find out exact hours.

  • Walgreens: Most stores are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. 24-hour stores are drive-thru only from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Seniors can shop and score discounts from 8 to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays.

  • Walmart: Stores are open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. From now through April 28, stores open one hour early on Tuesday for 60 and older to shop.

  • Wegmans: Stores in Brooklyn and New Jersey are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All other locations are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Whole Foods Market: Stores close two hours early. Check your local store for exact times. All stores open one hour early for elderly and at-risk customers to shop.

  • Winn-Dixie: All stores are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All seniors and at-risk customers can shop from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. Healthcare workers and first responders can shop from 8 to 9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

Here's a list of stores that have closed for the time being:

  • Abercrombie & Fitch

  • Apple

  • Anthropologie

  • Bed Bath & Beyond

  • Best Buy

  • Bloomingdale's

  • Crate & Barrel

  • Everlane

  • Free People

  • Glossier

  • HomeGoods

  • H&M

  • IKEA

  • J Crew

  • JCPenney

  • Kohl's

  • Lululemon

  • Lush Cosmetics

  • Macy's

  • Madewell

  • Marshalls

  • Nike

  • Nordstrom

  • Patagonia (Note: They have also suspended their online shopping services.)

  • REI

  • Sephora

  • TJMaxx

  • Ulta

  • Urban Outfitters

What about delivery options?

Many stores, including Stop & Shop, Safeway, and Walmart, are still fulfilling online orders for delivery. Due to high demand, stores warn that there may be a delay in deliveries — and there's even the possibility that these services will be suspended if the COVID-19 outbreak worsens. As a general rule, call your local store first before you place an order.

Walgreens and CVS, however, are making it even easier for customers to get their prescriptions filled. Both pharmacies are waiving all delivery fees, making it possible for any elderly or at-risk people to receive their medications without leaving their home. Plus, to give customers some much-needed cheer, CVS is sending out 1 million free Easter-themed greeting cards as a surprise for prescription delivery customers.

Looking for even more options? There are still a number of delivery services that will bring food and beverages straight to your door:

For helpful resources regarding coronavirus, visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Coronavirus Disease 2019 fact page and The National Association of County and City Health Officials' directory of local health departments.

Additional reporting done by Katie Bourque and Hannah Jeon.

You Might Also Like