BILLINGS - Senior citizens took advantage of the new, dedicated shopping hours on Thursday morning set aside at Albertsons stores during the coronavirus pandemic.
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the stores are open to seniors, pregnant women, or anyone with a compromised immune system.
It's in response to high demand at grocery stores, giving the at-risk population a chance to shop freshly-stocked shelves before the general public begins shopping.
“We are sensitive to the fact that everyone wants to make sure they have the items they need, and we also know that everyone wants their neighbors to stay safe and healthy, too,” said Vivek Sankaran, Albertsons Companies President and CEO.
The parking lot of the Albertsons location at 13th Street West and Grand Avenue in Billings was busier than usual on Thursday morning.
Thursday was the first day they rolled out the special shopping hours.
“The carts were all clean and ready for us. The clerks were more than helpful if you needed help with anything. So I’m pleased with it. It was very nice that they did this for senior citizens,” said Brenda Willkom, a Thursday morning shopper.
Albertsons is asking everyone else to avoid shopping during the dedicated hours.
The hours are in effect at all 2,200-plus Albertsons Company stores nationwide.
