Kate Withers
Woolworths is set to introduce temporary measures across stores to help support the shopping needs of the elderly and people with disability, in a move prompted by unprecedented demand in supermarkets over recent weeks.
From tomorrow (Tuesday, March 17) until at least Friday, stores will open exclusively for the elderly and those with a disability to shop from 7am to 8am, where permitted.
Woolworths will open to all customers from 8am and access to the store prior to this time will require a relevant government-issued concession card.
The revised opening hours are in place until this Friday, March 20, with Woolworths to review opening arrangements at that point.
“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,” Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said.
“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.”
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.
*Full terms and conditions and any store that might be excluded will be available on the woolworths.com.au website later today (Monday, March 16).
