Why did Target discontinue senior hours?
In March 2020, as the pandemic unfolded, Target and many other retailers created dedicated shopping hours specifically for seniors and other vulnerable guests. This was a temporary measure designed to provide a safer environment when public health risks were at their highest. As the pandemic has waned and safety protocols have evolved, these temporary, special-access hours were phased out. All Target stores now operate under regular public business hours, which can typically be found using the company's online store locator or app.
Comparing pandemic-era senior hours to today's shopping experience
| Feature | Pandemic-Era Senior Hours (e.g., 2020) | Current Shopping Environment (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Time Slot | Yes, specific hours (often the first hour on certain days) were reserved exclusively for seniors and at-risk guests. | No, stores are open to the general public during all operating hours. |
| Crowd Levels | Significantly lower, as other shoppers were discouraged from visiting during this time. | Varies by time of day, with mornings and weekdays generally being less crowded. |
| Purpose | To provide a safer shopping environment with reduced public health risk during a health crisis. | Standard operations focused on serving all customers efficiently throughout the day. |
| In-Store Services | Focused heavily on basic essentials; social distancing measures were strictly enforced. | Full range of services available; self-checkout, in-store displays, and staffing are normal. |
Shopping tips for seniors and vulnerable guests
Even without dedicated hours, you can still improve your shopping experience at Target. Here are some strategies:
- Shop during off-peak hours: Generally, the least crowded times to shop are early weekday mornings or late weekday evenings. Weekends are almost always busier.
- Utilize Target's Drive Up service: This allows you to place an order on the Target app and have an employee load your purchases directly into your car, eliminating the need to even enter the store. It's a convenient, contact-free option.
- Use Order Pickup: If you'd prefer to go inside but want to minimize time spent shopping, place an order online and pick it up at the designated service area. This lets you bypass wandering the aisles.
- Plan your trip: Make a detailed list and check the Target app for product locations before you go. This reduces the time you need to spend in the store searching for items.
How to find store-specific hours and services
Since special hours for seniors have been discontinued, it is important to check the standard opening times for your local store. The best way to do this is by using the Target Store Locator.
- Navigate to Target's website or app.
- Enter your city, state, or ZIP code in the store locator tool.
- Select your preferred store from the list of results.
- View the detailed hours and available services, such as Drive Up and Order Pickup, for that specific location.
Are there other ways for seniors to save at Target?
While a specific senior discount isn't offered, Target provides numerous ways for all customers, including seniors, to save money. These include:
- Target RedCard: This card, available as a debit or credit option, provides 5% off most purchases both in-store and online.
- Target Circle: The free loyalty program gives you access to a wide variety of deals and offers. You can save personalized offers to your account and apply them at checkout.
- Weekly Ads: Target's weekly ad highlights current promotions on everything from groceries to electronics. These ads are available in-store, online, and via the Target app.
- Clearance and Markdowns: Many items are marked down and can be found on end-caps or in specific sections. Shopping these areas can lead to significant savings.
Conclusion
Target no longer offers dedicated senior shopping hours, a program that was implemented as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, stores operate under regular public hours. While this means the first hour of shopping is no longer reserved for vulnerable guests, seniors and others can still enhance their shopping experience by visiting during off-peak times, using convenient services like Drive Up and Order Pickup, and taking advantage of Target's robust savings programs like the RedCard and Target Circle. By utilizing these alternative strategies, you can continue to enjoy a more comfortable and efficient shopping trip.
Additional resources for safer and smarter shopping
- USA Today - Walmart extends senior hour while Kohl's, T.J. Maxx reopen with... (Note: This article references the former COVID-19 policies but is useful for historical context).
- Target.com Store Locator
