RICHMOND, Va. -- For some time now, it’s been hard for people trying to find what they need during the coronavirus outbreak.
This is especially true for seniors, who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
On Monday, Dollar General announced a solution.
The company made a change for their senior customers, allowing them the freedom to get what they need, free of busy crowds.
Beginning Tuesday, Dollar General Stores will dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior customers to help them safely shop
“{I’m} glad that we could do this, so that they don't have to go far throughout the store to try to look for stuff,” said Tracey Battle, Dollar General store manager at the Mechanicsville Turnpike location. “They get to get the first pick of all the hand sanitizer, if they come across any, bleach, down to toilet paper.”
Tuesday’s new one hour dedication time allowed Anissa Holmes the opportunity to get her mother some supplies. She tells CBS 6 her mother has respiratory problems.
“My mom has breathing issues and I wanted to make sure that I was able to get some supplies for her. You know everything helps... You know you want to make sure that anybody that’s a senior or has some type of illness or at high risk... make sure they have what they need first.”
Customers say the new policy is a relief for seniors shopping for themselves and for others.
“They were just so happy to see that they have what they needed at the present moment and they didn't even have to wait in a long line,” said Battle.
Along with dedicating the first hour of operation to senior customers, Dollar General will be closing one hour earlier to allow employees to clean and restock shelves.