KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Amid concerns about the coronavirus, Dollar General is taking steps to help one of America's most vulnerable groups.
Beginning March 17, the company is strongly encouraging its stores to only open for senior shoppers during their first hour of operations each day.
As many people panic buy, retailers nationwide are selling out of key items, such as toilet paper and hand soap. Dollar General said it wants to help at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need.
"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 they items they need at affordable prices," CEO Todd Vasas said.
In addition to assisting senior customers, the company is also altering store hours. Many of the stores in the Kansas City area open at 8 a.m., but they will now close an hour earlier than usual to allow employees time to clean and re-stock store shelves.
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