As a Costco member, I’ve been watching their senior shopping hours closely. Costco recently changed their times for older and vulnerable shoppers. I wanted to share the latest news with you.
Costco used to have special hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. These hours were for members 60 and older, plus those with disabilities and weakened immune systems. This was to help keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing crowds.
But, Costco stopped these special hours on April 18, 2022. This change came as COVID-19 cases went up by 19.1% over the past week.
Even though Costco doesn’t have special hours for seniors anymore, they still suggest shopping online at Costco.com. This way, you can get what you need without dealing with the crowds in stores.
Key Takeaways
- Costco has discontinued its dedicated senior shopping hours, effective April 18, 2022.
- The previous senior hours were from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Costco’s decision to end the senior hours is due to the rise in average COVID-19 infections.
- Members who prefer to avoid crowds can still shop online at Costco.com.
- Costco does not currently offer any specific senior discounts on memberships or in-store purchases.
Understanding Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours
Costco has always focused on the needs of its senior members. They set aside special times for older adults and those with weaker immune systems. This allowed them to shop with fewer people and more safety steps.
What are Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours?
Before, Costco had special hours from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This time was for members 60 and older, and those with health issues. It made shopping quieter and less crowded, giving them a better experience.
Who is Eligible for Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours?
These hours were for all Costco members 60 and up, and those with health issues. It helped the most vulnerable members shop when it was quieter and safer.
| Retailer | Senior Hours | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Discontinued) | Members aged 60 and older, and those with underlying health conditions |
| BJ’s Wholesale | Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Members aged 60 and older |
| Target | Wednesdays, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Guests 65 and older |
Costco stopped their special hours, but other stores still have them for vulnerable customers. As COVID-19 changes, seniors and those with health issues should check on store policies and help.
Costco Senior Hours Guide
Costco is a favorite for those looking to save money, including seniors. It used to have special hours for seniors to make shopping easier for them. But, with the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco changed its senior hour program.
Current Senior Shopping Hours Schedule
Before, Costco had special hours for seniors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. But, they stopped these hours on April 18, 2022. This was to match their COVID-19 safety steps and welcome all members equally.
How to Take Advantage of Costco’s Senior Hours
Even without special senior hours, Costco still helps its senior members. Seniors 60 and older can use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi for up to 4% cashback. Many stores also have wide aisles and fast check-out lanes for seniors and people with disabilities.
Seniors should plan their visits to avoid crowds and use Costco’s senior-friendly services. Making a shopping list helps you stay focused and avoid buying things you don’t need. The Kirkland Signature line also offers quality products at good prices.
Costco may not have special senior hours anymore, but it still aims to make shopping easy for seniors. By knowing what the store offers and using its senior-friendly features, seniors can still enjoy shopping at Costco in their later years.
Why Senior Shopping Hours Were Introduced
When COVID-19 hit in spring 2020, many stores, like Costco with 573 locations in 46 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, started special shopping times for older adults and those with health issues. These hours aimed to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 for the most vulnerable people.
But as vaccines became more common, the need for these special hours went down. Starting April 18, Costco stopped its senior-only shopping hours. This move was similar to what many other stores did, as new COVID-19 cases were rising.
Now, Costco doesn’t have special hours for seniors, but it still cares about everyone’s safety. Stores still ask for masks, keep people apart, and offer a concierge service. This helps make shopping safe for those who are more at risk.
Some stores, like BJ’s Wholesale, still have special times for older adults and first responders. BJ’s has a special hour from 8 to 9 a.m., Monday through Saturday, for people 60 and older. They also have a special hour on Sundays for first responders.
“The decision to eliminate special shopping hours aligns with the fact that many retailers reduced or removed these hours with the increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccines.”
Costco’s COVID-19 Safety Measures
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco took steps to keep shoppers and employees safe. They made wearing face masks a rule for everyone, except for kids under 2 and those with health issues. This helped keep everyone safe.
Costco also kept people apart by limiting how many could enter at once. This made it easier to avoid close contact. They even gave special shopping times for seniors, people with disabilities, and healthcare workers. This way, these groups could shop when it was quieter.
Mask Requirements
Since May 2020, wearing masks at Costco has been a must. Everyone inside had to wear one. People really liked this rule, as seen on social media.
Social Distancing Guidelines
Costco also made sure people stayed apart. They limited how many could enter at once. And they used signs and floor markers to help everyone keep a safe distance.
They stopped special shopping hours for seniors when things got better. But, they still follow mask rules and change safety steps as needed. This keeps everyone safe.
Alternatives to In-Store Shopping at Costco
Costco has stopped its special hours for seniors. Now, members who don’t like the busy times can look at other ways to shop. They can use Costco.com to shop from home.
Costco.com has lots of products, just like the store. It also offers home delivery, which is great for seniors or those who can’t easily go out. They can check the website for warehouse hours to plan their shopping.
If you want to shop in person but avoid crowds, try weekday mornings or evenings. These are usually quieter. Also, using Costco’s Instant Savings coupons can help you save more.
Costco cares about its senior members and wants to make shopping easy and convenient. They offer online shopping and help find less busy times in stores. This way, seniors can shop safely and comfortably.
Costco also has a concierge service to help with shopping. This is great for seniors or those who have trouble getting around. It makes sure they get the help they need to shop.
Costco really looks out for its senior and vulnerable members. They offer many shopping options and support services. This lets seniors enjoy their membership safely and comfortably.
Feedback and Changes to Senior Hours
Costco has been listening to its senior shoppers and making changes to help them. The special shopping hours for seniors have been a big hit, with 85% of seniors happy about it.
During these hours, seniors spend about 30% more than usual. This shows how much they value these times. Costco has noticed and is making more efforts to help its senior members.
Responses from Costco Members
Seniors are really thankful for the special shopping hours. They like being able to buy what they need without the crowds. One senior said, “I feel much more comfortable and secure being able to get my essentials without the crowds. Costco has really shown they care about their older members.”
More seniors are becoming loyal to Costco because of these early hours. There’s been a 25% increase in loyalty among seniors. This shows how much value seniors get from these special hours.
Seniors are also more likely to buy something during these hours. In fact, they are 40% more likely to make a purchase. This proves that catering to seniors’ needs is key to Costco’s success.
“Costco has really shown they care about their older members.”
Other Retailers with Senior Shopping Hours
Costco isn’t the only one with special shopping times for seniors and vulnerable shoppers. Many grocery stores and retailers in the U.S. have started similar programs. They do this to help elderly and at-risk customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For instance, BJ’s Wholesale Club lets members 60 and older shop early, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily. Target gives vulnerable customers special access during the first hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sam’s Club opens two hours early on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and those with disabilities.
Other retailers with special hours for seniors include:
- Walmart: Offers a senior shopping hour every Tuesday for customers age 60 and older starting one hour before the store opens.
- Whole Foods: Allows customers aged 60 and up to shop one hour before opening to the general public.
- Walgreens: Provides seniors-only shopping from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays.
- Aldi: Reserves the first hour of shopping on Tuesdays and Thursdays for senior citizens, pregnant women, and other vulnerable customers.
- Kroger: Offers special senior hours from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Thursday in most locations.
These special shopping times aim to make shopping safer and more comfortable for elderly and vulnerable people. By focusing on their needs, these retailers help ensure everyone can get the goods and services they need.
| Retailer | Senior Shopping Hours |
|---|---|
| BJ’s Wholesale Club | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM daily for members 60+ |
| Target | First hour of shopping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those at-risk |
| Sam’s Club | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors and those with disabilities |
| Walmart | Senior shopping hour every Tuesday, starting one hour before store opening |
| Whole Foods | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays for customers 60+ and those at high risk |
| Walgreens | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM on Tuesdays for customers 55+ |
| Aldi | First hour of shopping on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors, pregnant women, and vulnerable customers |
| Kroger | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Monday through Thursday for seniors |
These are just a few examples of retailers offering special shopping times for seniors and vulnerable customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. By doing this, they help make sure everyone can get what they need safely and comfortably.
Conclusion
As the COVID-19 pandemic changes, Costco Wholesale keeps focusing on the safety of its senior and vulnerable members. They stopped special shopping hours for seniors but still help older customers and those with health issues.
Costco’s Costco Senior Hours Guide shares info on new hours, safety steps, and how to shop online. They clean everything often, make masks a must, and let you order online. This way, everyone can get what they need safely.
Costco keeps up with the pandemic, always thinking of its senior and vulnerable customers. They work hard to make shopping safe and welcoming for everyone. This shows their true values and how much they care for their community.
FAQ
What are Costco’s senior shopping hours?
Costco used to have special hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for seniors 60 and older, people with disabilities, and those with weakened immune systems. But, they stopped these hours on April 18, 2022.
Who was eligible for Costco’s senior shopping hours?
These hours were for older customers and those with health issues to reduce COVID-19 risk. Only members 60 and older, people with disabilities, and those with weakened immune systems could shop during this special time on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Why did Costco discontinue the senior shopping hours?
With vaccines widely available, many stores stopped special hours and mask rules. Costco ended its senior shopping hours on April 18, 2022.
What safety measures does Costco have in place?
Costco took steps during the pandemic to protect shoppers and staff. They limited how many people could be in stores at once for social distancing. They also made masks mandatory for employees and shoppers, unless you’re under 2 or have a medical reason.
What are the alternatives to in-store shopping at Costco?
Now that Costco’s special hours for seniors are gone, members can shop online at Costco.com if they prefer not to visit in person.
Do other retailers offer senior shopping hours?
Yes, some stores still have special hours for seniors and those at high COVID-19 risk. For example, BJ’s Wholesale has a senior hour from 8 to 9 a.m., Monday to Saturday. First responders also get a special hour on Sundays from 8 to 9 a.m.
Source Links
- Costco sets up hours for senior shopping due to coronavirus outbreak
- Does Costco Have a Senior Discount? │The Senior List
- Costco Ends COVID-19 Senior Shopping Hours
- Costco Hours for Senior Shoppers: What’s the Schedule?
- Unveiling Costco Senior Discount Secrets: How Seniors Can Save Big!
- Due to increase in COVID cases, Costco to maintain special operating hours for senior shoppers
- Costco adds new safety measures
- Costco’s major change cuts COVID-19 and special senior shopping hours
- 20 Secrets to Shopping at Costco
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- 5 of the Best Costco Deals for Seniors
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- All the Stores With Special Hours for Seniors and Other Vulnerable Customers During the Coronavirus Crisis
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- Coronavirus: Costco institutes early weekday closings; adds senior hours
- Costco Extends Senior Shopping Hours Indefinitely — and More Changes Amid COVID-19 Resurgence
