CORNWALL, Ontario – Some local grocery stores are offering safe times for seniors to shop during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No Frills in Cornwall opened early on March 17 and will do so again on March 18 so that seniors can shop with less risk of coming into contact with someone who is sick.
“We have received a lot of inquiries about possibly opening earlier to allow seniors a chance to get in first thing in the morning before the other shoppers and we are going to give it a trial run,” said a statement on the No Frills Cornwall Facebook page.
The store opened a half hour early at 7:30 a.m. so that seniors can come and shop.
“We ask that other customers please respect the normal 8 am opening time and give our seniors a chance to get in early,” the statement from No Frills went on to say. “If this trial run is successful we will look at a more permanent or regularly scheduled option.”
Chartrand’s Your Independent Grocer in Alexandria also introduced a senior shopping hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. seven days a week, as is their counterparts in Cornwall at Baxtrom’s Your Independent Grocer.
“We ask all shoppers to respect this request and to kindly shop during the appropriate time frames,” reads a statement on Chartrand’s Facebook page. “At 9 a.m., the store will open for regular business, allowing all shoppers to do their groceries. We thank ALL our customers for their patience and respect during this busy time. Our staff are truly working around the clock to make sure everything is available and spotlessly clean. We ask you to please STAY HOME, if you are feeling ill in order to help us and our community to stay healthy.”
Baxtrom’s will be open in Cornwall an hour early from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. effective Tuesday, March 17.
“In order to continue to support our community and to help protect those that are most vulnerable, we have created a Seniors only (aged 65+) shopping time, from 7am-8am, effective immediately,” reads a statement on Baxtrom’s Facebook Page. “We ask that all of our customers respect this time frame, as our store continues to open at 8am for regular business, allowing all other shoppers to do their groceries, as usual. Please feel free to share this message, as we try to do what we can to support those most at risk. We thank you all again for your patience and understanding as we continue to work hard at replenishing our inventory during this time. And remember, if you don’t feel well, stay home! Help keep our community healthy!”
