The History of Senior Shopping Hours at Walmart
During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many retailers, including Walmart, implemented special shopping hours specifically for seniors and other vulnerable populations. The goal was to provide a safer environment for those most at risk by allowing them to shop before the general public. Walmart's program designated a specific morning hour, typically on a weekday, for customers aged 60 and older. This policy was widely appreciated and served its purpose during a time of great uncertainty.
Why the Policy Changed
With the public health emergency over, most temporary pandemic-era policies across the retail industry were phased out. Walmart, like many other large chains, reverted to its standard operating hours and discontinued the dedicated senior shopping time. This move reflects a broader return to pre-pandemic business models. Instead of offering age-based specials, Walmart maintains its core philosophy of "Everyday Low Prices" for all customers, and has introduced other programs designed to help all shoppers save money and time, regardless of age.
Maximizing Savings with a Walmart+ Membership
For seniors seeking to maximize their savings and convenience at Walmart, a Walmart+ membership offers substantial benefits. The standard membership provides perks like free grocery delivery and free shipping, but eligible individuals can get a deeply discounted rate through the Walmart+ Assist program.
To qualify for Walmart+ Assist, you must be a recipient of a government assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC. The application is a simple online process where eligibility is verified through a secure service. For qualifying seniors, the cost is cut in half, making the benefits even more accessible.
- Free Grocery Delivery: Members get unlimited free grocery delivery from a local store for orders over $35. This is especially helpful for those with mobility issues or who prefer to avoid navigating crowded aisles.
- Free Shipping on Online Orders: Receive unlimited free shipping from Walmart.com with no order minimum.
- Fuel Savings: Save up to 10 cents per gallon at over 14,000 fuel stations nationwide.
- Mobile Scan & Go: Scan items with your phone as you shop in-store and pay directly from your device. This is a great feature for avoiding checkout lines and enabling a contactless experience.
- Exclusive Access: Enjoy early access to special promotions, like Black Friday deals.
Other Money-Saving Strategies for Seniors at Walmart
Even without an age-specific discount or membership, there are several ways for seniors to save money when shopping at Walmart:
- $4 Prescription Program: Walmart's pharmacy offers a program for many generic medications at just $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply. Studies have shown this can be more cost-effective for some Medicare patients than using their insurance.
- Medicare OTC Benefits: Eligible customers with a Medicare Advantage plan can link their over-the-counter (OTC) benefit card to their Walmart.com account. The website and app clearly mark eligible health and wellness products, and the allowance is automatically applied at checkout.
- Flash Deals and Rollbacks: Check the “Deals” tab on Walmart.com or the app regularly for flash sales and rollback prices. These limited-time offers can provide significant savings on a variety of products.
- Walmart Cash: Earn rewards on eligible items through manufacturer offers. This “Walmart Cash” can be used towards future purchases.
- AARP Membership Discounts: AARP members can receive discounts on a Walmart+ membership, with a $20 annual saving on the full-price plan.
Convenient Shopping with the Walmart App
The free Walmart app is a powerful tool for older adults looking to enhance their shopping experience. It offers convenience features that can streamline your trip and save you time. Beyond Scan & Go, the app provides a digital store map to help you find items easily and allows you to check prices by scanning barcodes. You can also use it to manage your pharmacy needs by setting up automatic prescription refills and arranging for curbside pickup, a service particularly useful for those with limited mobility.
Alternative Stores with Special Senior Hours and Discounts
While Walmart no longer offers special senior shopping hours, several other retailers do. Policies can change, so it's always best to call your local store to confirm. For those who prefer shopping during less crowded times, these alternatives might be a great option.
| Retailer | Special Hours/Discount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger | Senior Hours (select locations) | Some locations offer early access on certain days. Check with your local store. |
| Dollar General | First Hour of Business | Many locations reserve the first hour of shopping for seniors, though policies can vary. |
| Aldi | Early Hour for Vulnerable Shoppers | In some locations, the first hour on certain days is reserved for vulnerable customers. Confirm with local stores. |
| American Discount Foods | 10% Senior Discount | Offers a 10% discount on Mondays for shoppers 62 and older. |
| Harris Teeter | 5% Senior Discount | On Thursdays, customers 60+ receive a 5% discount on purchases. |
For more information on other stores that offer senior discounts and special hours, you can visit U.S. News & World Report's list of grocery stores with senior discounts.
Conclusion
While the special early shopping hours for seniors at Walmart were a temporary measure during the pandemic and are no longer available, this does not mean older adults are without options for saving and convenient shopping. Walmart's suite of programs, from the discounted Walmart+ Assist membership to the $4 prescription plan and app features, offers numerous ways to save both money and time. By leveraging these existing resources and considering alternative retailers with specific senior benefits, older shoppers can continue to have a positive and budget-friendly experience. The key is to be informed about the available options and choose the ones that best fit your lifestyle and budget. Understanding these policies empowers seniors to make smarter shopping decisions and navigate their finances with confidence.
