Costco Senior Hours Perk for Seniors Has Come to an End

For seniors, an era is ending at Costco.

Since March 2020, Costco Wholesale Corporation has been offering dedicated shopping hours for members aged 60 and up, as well as those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. These reserved hours aim to protect vulnerable customers by allowing them to shop away from the crowds. 

But all good things must come to an end. As of April 18, 2022, Costco senior hours, or Costco elderly hours—shopping hours intended for elderly consumers have officially halted. According to the retailer, this policy change is a response to the country’s shifting approach to the pandemic. With vaccines widely available and cases declining, many stores are phasing out special accommodations like senior hours and mask requirements.

But don’t worry—we’ve got all the details on Costco’s elderly hours, the changing policy, and tips for safe shopping going forward.

What Were Costco’s Senior Shopping Hours?

Costco does not have an official “Costco Senior Day” across all locations. However, the company first introduced special operating hours for seniors and other vulnerable groups in March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep the nation. The dedicated hours were initially offered two days a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8 to 9 a.m.

The original policy set aside the early morning time slot exclusively for members aged 60 and older and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. During these hours, Costco aimed to provide a safer shopping environment for customers at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

In May 2020, Costco’s senior hours were expanded to include Wednesdays. The retailer also extended special access to first responders and healthcare workers, allowing them to shop alongside vulnerable members during the reserved time.

So to recap, Costco’s senior shopping hours have run for nearly two years with the following parameters:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• 8 A.M. to 9 A.M. at most locations
• Open to members ages 60+, people with disabilities or impaired immunity, first responders, and healthcare workers.

So why did Costco and other retailers introduce special shopping hours? Let’s examine the rationale behind this pandemic-era perk.

Why Did Retailers Implement Senior Shopping Hours?

At the beginning of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified several groups at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. These vulnerable populations included:

• Older adults, with risk increasing with age
• Individuals with compromised immune systems
• People with underlying health conditions like diabetes, obesity, or heart disease 

In response, many retailers introduced special shopping hours to help protect these at-risk customers. The goal was to minimize their contact with the general public by providing a dedicated time when only vulnerable populations could be in the store.

Stores also used the downtime between special hours and regular openings to conduct extra cleaning and sanitizing. This typically included disinfecting high-touch surfaces like shopping carts, credit card readers, and checkout counters.

Costco was one of the first national chains to implement a senior shopping hour, but it was far from the only one. Competitors like Walmart, Target, and Albertsons rolled out similar policies in the early months of the pandemic. Even non-grocery retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens, and Dollar General introduced special hours for vulnerable shoppers.  

While the exact details vary by company, the overall intent was to create a safer environment for those most susceptible to COVID-19 complications. Let’s take a closer look at how Costco structured its own senior hours policy.

The Bigger Picture: A Shift Away from COVID Policies

After a long period of precautions, the U.S. is entering a new phase of the pandemic. With over 80% of Americans fully vaccinated as of 2023, many are eager to return to their pre-COVID routines.

In response to these promising trends, retailers have started to roll back some of their pandemic-era policies. Trader Joe’s and Walmart were among the first national chains to phase out their senior hours in 2021. Other COVID safety measures like mask mandates and social distancing requirements have also relaxed over time as guidance from health officials has evolved.

Costco is just the latest retailer to signal a shift away from special accommodations as the acute crisis stage of the pandemic appears to recede. However, it’s important to note that not all stores are moving in lockstep on this issue. Some regional grocery chains like Hy-Vee and Dollar General continue to offer senior-only hours at select locations based on local conditions and demand.

Shopping Safer: Looking Ahead to the New Normal

So, what does Costco’s policy change mean for you? If you’re among the millions of members who have come to appreciate the special senior hours over the past two years, you might be wondering, “Does Costco open early for seniors?” Returning to the regular shopping routine may feel daunting, leaving you to ask, “Does Costco still have senior hours?”

It’s understandable to have ongoing concerns about COVID risks, especially for those with vulnerable health conditions. But even without a dedicated time slot, there are still plenty of ways to minimize your potential exposure while doing your shopping.

Consider using a grocery delivery service like Instacart to bring your Costco haul to your doorstep. If you prefer the in-store experience, try visiting warehouse locations during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings and evenings tend to be less busy than weekends and afternoons.  

And, of course, you can always choose to keep masking up and maintaining your distance while shopping, even as official mandates fade away. After all, the pandemic isn’t over yet—we may just be entering a new, more manageable phase.

The key is to stay informed about evolving policies and remain flexible in your shopping approach. 

While the end of Costco’s senior hours may mark a symbolic shift, it’s just one part of the larger transition back to normalcy. With a little extra planning and precaution, you can continue to shop safely and confidently in the months ahead—at Costco and beyond.