Stores — including in Arizona — are setting senior hours so the older population is able to obtain the items they need before the rush of other shoppers.

Dollar General was one of the first to announce plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers beginning Tuesday, March 17. The company also amended store operating hours.

Beginning March 17, Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to COVID-19, according to the CDC.

In a statement, Dollar General wants to provide these at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need and want at the beginning of each day to avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods.

Other customers are encouraged to plan their shopping trips around this window of time to allow the most susceptible customers in our communities the ability to shop during the first hour that stores are open.

“In keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors," stated Todd Vasos, CEO. We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO. “During these unprecedented times, Dollar General is diligently working to meet the ongoing needs of our customers and communities. We are proud to live our mission and provide customers with everyday low prices on the household essentials that are used and replenished most often.”

Bashas' Family of Stores, which includes Bashas', AJ's Fine Foods and Food City, also announced senior hours starting Wednesday, March 18. All of its stores in Arizona will open from 5-6 a.m. on Wednesdays for anyone age 65+.  

Bashas’ reservation stores will be open from  6-7 a.m. for those 65 and older, according to a release.

Shoppers will be required to show a valid I.D. at the door. 

If there is a need for a caretaker, one caretaker is welcome, but will not be allowed to shop for themselves. 

All purchase limitations will remain in effect.  

Locations near Sun City, Arizona

Dollar General: SE corner of 107th and Peoria avenues, Sun City

Bashas': NE corner of 99th Avenue and Beardsley Road, Peoria

Bashas': Meeker Boulevard and RH Johnson Blvd., Sun City West

Bashas': 75th Avenue and Thunderbird Road, Peoria

Bashas': Waddell and Litchfield roads, Surprise

Food City: Grand Avenue and Acoma Drive, El Mirage