Sam’s Club adding special hours, concierge service for seniors, those most at risk for coronavirus

Sam’s Club is introducing twice-weekly special hours for seniors, people with disabilities and those with compromised immune systems, and a “Shop from Your Car” concierge service starting Thursday. 

The wholesale club announced Tuesday that stores nationwide will set aside two hours every Tuesday and Thursday – from 7 to 9 a.m. – for early shopping for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Sam’s Club is also adding the concierge service during those hours, allowing seniors and at-risk members to shop without leaving the car.

“From a designated parking location, members in need can place their order from their car, and a Sam’s Club associate will grab the items on the list,” Lance de la Rosa, Sam’s Club executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a blog post.

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Pharmacy and optical centers also will be open for the early shopping and the special hours will “last until further notice.”

“We know some members may need extra help during this time,” de la Rosa said. “So we’re introducing two new programs to support seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems, to make sure these members have a special experience in the club.”

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Acknowledging that older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to COVID-19, a growing number of stores including rivals Costco Wholesale Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club have been dedicating time or opening earlier for senior shoppers and other at-risk groups.

Because of panic shopping, which has left store shelves empty in many places across the country, at-risk groups including seniors have had difficulty getting supplies.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus shopping: Sam’s Club dedicates time for those most at risk