I’ve always been curious about Costco’s services for senior customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco set aside special shopping times for seniors. But now, the company says it won’t have those special hours anymore. So, does Costco still open early for seniors?
Key Takeaways
- Costco previously offered early shopping hours for seniors, healthcare workers, and first responders during the pandemic.
- The senior-specific shopping hours were held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10 AM.
- As of April 18, 2022, Costco has discontinued these special senior shopping hours.
- Costco encourages vulnerable customers to shop online or visit during regular business hours.
- Other wholesale clubs, like BJ’s, still maintain designated senior shopping times.
Understanding Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours
Costco is known for helping senior shoppers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it started a special hour for seniors. This was to make shopping safe and easy for older members.
What Were Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours?
Costco set aside an hour from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This was for members 60 and older, healthcare workers, and first responders. It started in March 2020 to reduce virus exposure for high-risk groups.
When Did Costco Introduce Senior Shopping Hours?
Costco began senior shopping hours in March 2020, early in the pandemic. The aim was to give elderly and vulnerable customers a safe time to shop. Many retailers did the same for seniors and high-risk groups back then.
Costco’s special hours were a hit, with 85% of seniors happy with them. These hours also made seniors 25% more loyal to Costco. They valued the effort to meet their needs.
But, as the pandemic eased and more people got vaccinated, Costco stopped the senior shopping hours on April 18, 2022. This move was in line with other retailers, who were ending special hours for vulnerable customers.
The End of Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours
Costco has decided to stop its special shopping hours for seniors and vulnerable customers as of April 18, 2022. This change comes after over two years of offering these hours. The reason is the wide availability of COVID-19 vaccines and fewer new cases across the country.
Why Did Costco Discontinue Senior Shopping Hours?
Costco says the main reasons for ending these hours are the vaccine’s availability and fewer COVID-19 cases. They had already cut the senior hours to Tuesdays and Thursdays in July 2021. Now, they’re stopping them altogether.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report a slight increase in new infections. Yet, many stores, including Costco, are ending special shopping times and relaxing mask rules. This is even though the virus is still around.
Costco suggests that vulnerable customers who don’t want to shop during regular times can use online shopping instead. This way, they can still get what they need from Costco without risking exposure to the virus.
“We will be ending our senior shopping hours as of April 18, 2022. Costco will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and make any necessary adjustments to our policies and procedures.”
The end of Costco’s senior shopping hours shows how the pandemic is changing. Vaccines are more common, and health situations are improving. While these hours helped older and vulnerable people, Costco thinks they’re no longer needed.
Alternatives to Senior Shopping Hours
Costco has stopped its special shopping hours for seniors. Now, they suggest two main ways for seniors to shop safely. These options are for members who can’t visit during the usual times.
Online Shopping at Costco.com
Seniors can shop online at Costco.com for a safer experience. They can order items for delivery or pickup without going to the store. Costco is testing curbside pickup in some places and offers Instacart delivery for a fee.
Visiting During Regular Business Hours
Seniors can also shop during Costco’s regular hours. While there are no special times for seniors, they can check their local store’s hours online or through the app. This way, they can avoid crowds and stay safer.
These options let seniors shop at Costco safely. They can still get the products they need while looking out for their health.
Does Costco Open Early For Seniors?
No, Costco will stop opening early for seniors and vulnerable shoppers starting April 18, 2022. The big store, with 573 locations in 46 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, used to let members aged 60 and older, healthcare workers, and first responders shop from 9-10 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But, they will stop this special hour because most people can now get COVID-19 vaccines.
Ending the senior shopping hour comes as COVID-19 cases are going up. Some grocery stores still have special hours for older shoppers and those at high risk. But, many stores, like Costco, have stopped these special times.
Costco is now asking vulnerable customers to shop online or during regular hours. This might be a letdown for some senior Costco members. But, the company thinks vaccines make special shopping times for seniors less necessary.
| Retailer | Senior Shopping Hours |
|---|---|
| Costco | Discontinued as of April 18, 2022 |
| BJ’s Wholesale | Designated hour for those 60 and older, Monday to Saturday, from 8 to 9 a.m., and first responders have a dedicated shopping hour on Sundays from 8 to 9 a.m. |
Even though Costco won’t have early hours for seniors anymore, they still want to make shopping safe and welcoming for everyone, including those who are more vulnerable. As the pandemic changes, Costco might update its policies and special times in the future.
Costco’s Accommodations for Vulnerable Shoppers
Costco has made big efforts to help its vulnerable shoppers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though it stopped special hours for seniors, it still has many policies and safety steps for older and weaker customers.
COVID-19 Precautions
Costco has put in place many COVID-19 safety steps at its 573 stores in 46 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. These steps include more cleaning, hand sanitizer, and face masks for members, and rules for social distancing. Everyone, both employees and members, must wear face masks inside.
Age-Friendly Policies
- Motorized shopping carts: Costco gives out motorized shopping carts to help older and mobility-impaired members shop easily.
- Heavy item assistance: Costco staff help load heavy or big items into members’ cars, making shopping easier.
- Pharmacy services: Costco’s pharmacies offer big discounts on prescription drugs, helping seniors on a tight budget.
- Optical services: Costco has in-house eye doctors and affordable glasses, meeting the eye care needs of its older members.
Costco stopped special hours for seniors but still supports its vulnerable members with safety steps and policies. It keeps changing to make shopping safe and easy for everyone, no matter their age or health.
Finding Your Local Costco’s Hours
As a Costco member, you can easily find the hours for your nearest warehouse. The Costco app and website make it simple to check the hours for your preferred location.
Using the Costco App
The Costco mobile app is great for finding your local store’s hours. Just open the app and use the “Find a Warehouse” feature to find the closest Costco. You’ll see the hours for that warehouse, including pharmacy and gas station services.
Checking the Costco Website
The Costco website is another easy way to find hours. Go to Costco.com and use the “Find a Warehouse” function to find your preferred location. The website will show you the current hours for that warehouse.
Remember, hours can vary by location. Always check the details for your preferred warehouse on the app or website. This way, you get the latest and most accurate info on when your local Costco is open.
| Feature | Costco App | Costco Website |
|---|---|---|
| Locating Your Nearest Store | ✓ | ✓ |
| Viewing Store Hours | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accessing Service Hours (Pharmacy, Gas Station, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accounting for Location-Specific Variations | ✓ | ✓ |
Whether you like the Costco app or the website, you can easily find your local warehouse’s hours. This makes planning your shopping trips a breeze.
Prioritizing Senior Citizen Services
Costco used to have special shopping hours just for seniors, but they stopped doing that. But, they still help elderly and vulnerable customers a lot. They give out motorized carts, help carry heavy items, and have a discount for seniors. Now, with no more early hours, Costco hasn’t said much about helping seniors again. They suggest seniors use online ordering and other flexible ways to shop if they don’t like going to the store.
Other big stores have kept or added special hours for seniors during the pandemic. For instance:
- Safeway sets aside Tuesdays and Thursdays from opening until 9 a.m. for seniors and those who are vulnerable.
- Walmart lets people 60 and older come in an hour early on Tuesdays.
- Whole Foods lets shoppers 60 and up come in an hour early every day.
These special hours make it safer and less crowded for older adults to shop. Costco used to really focus on helping seniors, so they might start again or add new ways to help them in the future.
| Retailer | Senior Shopping Hours |
|---|---|
| Safeway | Tuesdays and Thursdays from opening until 9 a.m. |
| Walmart | Tuesdays, 1 hour before general opening |
| Whole Foods | Daily, 1 hour before general opening |
As Costco senior citizen services and Costco priority for seniors are still key for the company, it will be interesting to see how they change their policies to help seniors more in the future.
Conclusion
Costco has changed its policy on senior shopping hours recently. They used to have special times on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors, healthcare workers, and first responders. But, this stopped on April 18, 2022.
They stopped these special hours because more people got COVID-19 vaccines. This made the need for special shopping times less urgent. Now, they ask seniors to order online or visit during normal hours. These hours are shorter on weekdays because of the pandemic.
Even though they don’t have special shopping hours for seniors anymore, Costco still cares about their safety. They keep some COVID-19 safety steps in place. To know about Costco’s hours and rules, check their mobile app or website.
FAQ
Does Costco Open Early For Seniors?
No, Costco will no longer open early for senior citizens and other vulnerable shoppers as of April 18, 2022. They had offered a special one-hour window from 9-10 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors, healthcare workers, and first responders. But, they have stopped this special shopping time.
What Were Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours?
Costco had a special one-hour window from 9-10 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This was for members aged 60 and older, healthcare workers, and first responders to shop.
When Did Costco Introduce Senior Shopping Hours?
Costco started this special senior shopping hour in March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was to help reduce the risk of getting the virus for high-risk groups.
Why Did Costco Discontinue Senior Shopping Hours?
Costco stopped the policy because of the wide availability of COVID-19 vaccines. This policy had been in place for over two years.
Where Can I Find My Local Costco’s Hours?
You can find your local Costco’s hours by using the Costco mobile app or visiting Costco.com. The app lets you search for your nearest Costco and see the hours for the store, pharmacy, or gas station.
What Accommodations Does Costco Offer for Vulnerable Shoppers?
Costco has stopped its dedicated senior shopping hours. But, they still support vulnerable customers with enhanced cleaning and sanitation. They also offer face masks and hand sanitizer in-store. Plus, they help with motorized shopping carts and loading heavy items.
Source Links
- Costco Ends COVID-19 Senior Shopping Hours
- Costco Senior Hours Guide: Early Access Details
- Costco Is Bringing Back Reserved Shopping Hours for Seniors "Until Further Notice"
- Costco Hours for Seniors | FindContinuingCare
- Best Deals for Older Shoppers at Warehouse Clubs Right Now
- Costco Wholesale – Apps on Google Play
- Costco Auto Program │ Car buying made easy │ New vehicles & more!
- Which grocery stores have priority hours for elderly, disabled
- COVID-19 Grocery Store Hours
- Many Grocery Stores Have Senior Shopping Hours—Here’s Where to Go
- Costco Expands ‘Senior Only’ Hours for Elderly During Coronavirus Outbreak
