Woolworths and Coles have launched special shopping hours for people with disability and the elderly. Woolworths have designated the first hour of trading from 7am to 8am until Friday March 20, when opening hours will be reviewed. Those accessing the store at this time will need to have a relevant government issued concession card.
Initial reports from the first day of special trading however were mixed, particularly with issues relating to lack of stock.
Coles has also launched a ‘community hour’ – “dedicated for customers with disability who hold a government-issued Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Companion Card and Health Care Card,” a Coles spokesperson told F2L.
Coles supermarkets will open from 7am to 8am, except in WA and areas of QLD where trading restrictions apply, opening from 8am to 9am.Coles supermarkets will now close no later than 8pm allowing staff time to replenish stock. Coles is also recruiting more than 5000 casual staff to work in its supermarkets across Australia to meet consumer demand. The company has also temporarily suspended its Click&Collect orders due to lower product availability in stores. These new trading arrangements will be reviewed as necessary.
View the Woolworths website and the Coles website for the latest information and to find a participating store near you.