[Bus Insider SA] Pick n Pay says it wants to open all its supermarkets and hypermarkets an hour earlier every Wednesday for customers over 65 to shop safer, amid Koronavirus fears.From 18 March 2020, stores will be open exclusively for customers over the age of 65 years from 07:00 to 08:00.
Customers will be carded at the entrance, and will need to bring a valid ID to enter the store during this time.
"A special shopping hour for pensioners was a great suggestion by our online community and we very quickly worked with our stores to make this a reality," said John Bradshaw, retail executive: marketing at Pick n Pay.
This is part of their effort to curb exposure for South Africans who fall into this demographic and are at a high risk of catching Covid-19. The elderly, as well as travellers; individuals with co-morbidities; and healthcare workers are also at a higher risk of morbidity and mortality associated with the novel coronavirus, says the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD).
"All our actions are focused on supporting the well-being of our customers. We know that the Coronavirus is more of a threat to older people, and it is thus especially important that our older customers limit the number of times they are in busy spaces as much as possible. This dedicated shopping hour for our elderly customers will give them exclusive use of the store."
Every Wednesday, all Smart Shoppers over the age of 60 will also earn double points in-store.