National retailer announces first hour of operations dedicated to senior customers

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. – Dollar General Corp. on Monday announced plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers, as well as amend store operating hours beginning Tuesday.

Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19.

“In keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors,” said CEO Todd Vasos. “We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices.

Additionally, all stores plan to close one hour earlier than current close times to allow employees to clean and re-stock store shelves as well as for their health and wellbeing. Stores will continue to maintain current opening hours.

Current normal operating hours at individual store locations include: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.: 1551 N. Main in Sikeston, Mo.; Chaffee, Mo.; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.: 1355 E. Malone and 917 S. Kingshighway in Sikeston; Morehouse, Mo.; Charleston, Mo.; East Prairie, Mo.; New Madrid, Mo.; Lilbourn, Mo.; Benton, Mo.; Oran, Mo.; Scott City, Mo.; and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Portageville, Mo..

Dollar General remains committed to providing customers and employees with a safe, clean and pleasant shopping environment at all stores and seeks for customers to feel confident when shopping its stores, the retailer said.

“During these unprecedented times, Dollar General is diligently working to meet the ongoing needs of our customers and communities,” Vasos said. “We are proud to live our mission and provide customers with everyday low prices on the household essentials that are used and replenished most often.”