Woolworths Supermarkets are introducing temporary measures across stores to help support the shopping needs of the elderly and people with disability in the community.
From Tuesday 17th March until at least Friday 20th March, Woolworths Supermarkets will be opening exclusively for the elderly and those with a disability to shop from 7am to 8am. This move has been prompted by the unprecedented demand in supermarkets over the past week, which has seen many elderly and vulnerable people in the community missing out on vital items they may need when they shop.
Woolworths Supermarkets will open to all other customers from 8am. Access to the store prior to this time will require a relevant Government issued concession card*.
Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said: “While we’ll continue to do our very best to restock our stores during this period of unprecedented demand, we know many of our elderly customers have been missing out on essential items when they shop.
“This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before our stores officially open – helping them obtain the essential items they need most in a less crowded environment.
“We continue to encourage all Australians to be mindful of those in our communities who might need extra help at this time. Now – more than ever – we need to be kind to each other, especially to those most vulnerable.
“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused by the revised opening hours.”
In a press conference at Midday today, Claire expressed her understanding that some customers would be unable to make it in store for the 7am – 8am shopping window, and said in response to that, Woolworths is working to have care packages of essential items from Thursday 19th March onwards available for collection from customer service desks. More information on this to come.
The move follows the announcement last week that Woolworths Supermarkets had begun working with Meals on Wheels in New South Wales, via their network of volunteers, to help deliver toilet paper directly to the elderly in the community.
*T’s & C’s may apply, check with Woolworths for more information.
