Brookshire Grocery Co. offers 5% discount for seniors during coronavirus crisis

Brookshire Grocery Co. on Thursday began offering a temporary 5% daily discount for senior citizens, through May 5, 2020, in all four banners it operates — Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market and FRESH by Brookshire’s. The discount is available to guests age 60 or older with valid ID at Brookshire’s more than 180 stores in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Tyler, Texas-based Brookshire is also strongly encouraging that the first hour of store operations be reserved as a dedicated time for senior citizens. The company is asking for the community’s help in honoring this practice and in moving any senior guests to the front of the check-out line throughout the day.

“Since 1928, courteous and compassionate service has remained at the core of who we are and what we stand for,” said Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO for Brookshire Grocery Co. “We believe it is incredibly important for all of us to be kind to those around us. During these times of concern about COVID-19, we are asking you to join in our efforts to take care of our senior neighbors and others who are most vulnerable. We are eternally grateful for our guests for their support and patience, and to our employees for their incredible service, during these unprecedented times.”

Related:Stop & Shop to offer special hours for customers 60 and older

Brookshire has waived fees for all guests on Curbside orders, where available, through May 5, as another way to help those who are depending on the company for this service.The company is honoring its advertised promotions and prices. However, since ads are prepared weeks in advance, not all featured products will be available due to the current high demand, the retailer said.

Many retailers are taking steps to accommodate older, more vulnerable customers. Stop & Shop this week became one of the first grocery stores to introduce dedicated times for seniors to shop, by opening earlier in order to service only customers who are age 60 and over from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. daily. Since then, many grocery retailers including Whole Foods and Target, have followed suit.

Walmart will be introducing an hour-long senior shopping event March 24 that will be held every Tuesday through April 28 for customers 60 and older. The designated hour will start one hour before the retailer's 5,000-plus U.S. stores open. 

Albertsons is reserving two hours every Tuesday and Thursday morning for vulnerable shoppers, including senior citizens, pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems “who have been advised to avoid leaving home as much as possible. 

Related:Grocery industry is there for consumers amid coronavirus crisis, say FMI and NGA

Beginning Saturday, March 21, California retailer Raley’s will be offering “Senior Essentials Bags” containing fresh foods and staples for $20. For $35, Raley’s will be offering bags that include ready-to-eat meals and salads.

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