Washington Grocery Stores Adjust Hours Amid Coronavirus

Hordes of shoppers stocking up on peanut butter and fighting in store aisles over the last package of toilet paper are among reasons prompting grocery chains in Washington to adjust hours to allow staff more time to restock and clean shelves.

Several chains, including QFC and Fred Meyer, recently announced store hours would be modified for various reasons, all of which stem from the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Some stores cited the health of employees as a reason for the move.

Other stores are also carving out time for the elderly and at-risk by setting aside the first hour or two of designated shopping days so these groups can shop before the general public.

Here's a look at the latest grocery chains announcing updated hours:

Albertson’s: Store hours are being updated by location. Please visit the local store's website to confirm hours. Also, Albertson’s is setting aside the hours of 7-9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursdays for elderly and at-risk shoppers.

Costco: The company has not announced changes to store hours.

Fred Meyer: Stores open daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m

Metropolitan Market: Special hours for seniors and at-risk shoppers between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on weekdays.

New Seasons (Mercer Island): New store hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. During the week, the 8 a.m. "Community Care Shopping Hour" is reserved for those in high-risk communities. Senior discounts have been extended to all hours, Monday through Friday.

QFC: Stores will now be open 7 a.m to 11 p.m.

Safeway: A subsidiary of Albertson’s, Safeway store hours are being updated by location. Please visit your local store's website to confirm hours. Also, Safeway is setting aside the hours of 7-9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursdays for elderly and at-risk shoppers.

Sam’s Club: Opening hours are now 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours will remain 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prescheduled pickup orders will still be available starting at 7 a.m.

Target: The company will close all stores at 9 p.m. and reserves the first shopping hour of every Wednesday for elderly and at-risk customers.

Trader Joe’s: All Trader Joe’s stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.

Walmart: Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice.

Whole Foods: The company announced Tuesday it would adjust store hours, asking customers to check its website for more information on a specific store’s hours. Whole Foods will also reserve an hour before a store’s scheduled opening time each day to allow elderly and at-risk customers time to shop.