Woolies announces seniors-only shopping hour amid coronavirus panic

Woolworths has introduced a seniors-only shopping hour to help the elderly amid the panic buying of toilet paper and other goods across the country.

From tomorrow onwards Australia’s older population and those with a disability will have exclusive access to the supermarket from the hours of 7am to 8am. Only those with a relevant Government issued concession card will be able to enter the stores during this time, with stores then opened to general public from 8am.

The revised opening hours are in place at this stage until Friday, March 20, with Woolworths to review opening arrangements at that point. The move comes after weeks of chaos in shopping centres as people stock up on necessities to prepare for potential self-isolation, leaving many elderly with limited goods to last them throughout the week.

Speaking about the decision, Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said they’ll do their very best to restock stores, however, it’s evident many elderly customers have been missing out on essential items of late.

“This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before our stores officially open – helping them obtain the essential items they need most in a less crowded environment,” she said.

“We continue to encourage all Australians to be mindful of those in our communities who might need extra help at this time. Now more than ever we need to be kind to each other, especially to those most vulnerable. We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused by the revised opening hours.”

The move follows the announcement last week that Woolworths Supermarkets had begun working with Meals on Wheels in New South Wales, via their network of volunteers, to help deliver toilet paper directly to the elderly in the community.

Meanwhile, one IGA store in Victoria has also enforced similar rules for its older citizens with a store in Altona opening for one hour before trading for seniors card and disability card holders. From tomorrow until April 7, the one store will open exclusively from 6am to 7am for these people to purchase necessary goods.

IGA you rock! 👏 exclusive hours for those most in need in our communities #wherelocalsmatter #IGA #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/PmIvIBrtwR

— Grant Stevenson (@Thefarsha) March 15, 2020

“Over the past weeks we have all witnessed unprecedented consumer purchases due to the increasing concerns of Covid-19,” IGA Pier Street, Altona proprietor Hitesh Kumar Palta said in a statement shared on social media. “While we at IGA Pier Street Altona are doing our absolute best to support the community ongoing, it is our priority to ensure that everyone has the ability to purchase essential items during this uncertain time.

“It is widely known that those most affected with the increase in consumerism are seniors and people with disabilities. They simply cannot compete and are often left behind. Due to this observation IGA Pier Street Altona will open its doors an hour before normal trading hours to accomodate. This will allow senior card holders and disability card holders (including companion card holders) exclusive access to purchase goods without distress.”

While these changed trading hours are currently only enforced in the one Victorian town, IGA CEO Fred Harrison said it’s something they’ll certainly consider across the rest of the country.

Amid the coronavirus panic buying, an IGA in Victoria has become the first Australian supermarket to open exclusively to seniors. Do you support this idea? #9Today pic.twitter.com/FyZfIkYjmi

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) March 15, 2020

“That’s not a policy across the IGA network at the minute. [But] it’s certainly one retailer that’s gone out to make that decision,” he said on the Today show on Monday morning. “So we’re certainly going to be meeting this morning talking to IGA headquarters to say is this something we should roll out across the IGA network?”

Meanwhile, Woolworths has also announced it has “paused” online pick-up service due to temporary shortages on a number of items and to allow teams to focus on serving customers in store.

“We’re continuing to offer our delivery service in most parts of the country,” a Woolworths spokesperson said. “Customers are encouraged to buy only what they need, as we’ll continue to receive extra orders of stock in our stores regularly. We thank our customers for their continued patience and support.”