Valley seniors embrace early grocery shopping

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
Five people were waiting outside the Charleroi Dollar General when it opened Wednesday morning, the second day the national chain store was offering the first hour of the day to seniors.
“In keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors. 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,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO. “During these unprecedented times, Dollar General is diligently working to meet the ongoing needs of our customers and communities. 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.”
Merle Farquhar, 76, of Charleroi said he was grateful for the new policy as he stocked up on paper products and other staples Wednesday morning.
“All we want to do is get our things and go home,” Farquhar said from behind his face mask. Farquhar was done with his shopping by 8:15, just 15 minutes after the store had opened.
“It’s nice that they’re doing it,” Edward Massare of Fallowfield Township said of the dedicated hour for senior shoppers. “I think if people just calm down a little, it will be better. They should be pretty well stocked up by now.”
Although the store policy is not to turn anyone away, Olu Muyiwa, 42, of Charleroi was reminded of the dedicated hour for senior shoppers by a store clerk and chose to return later in the day.
“I’m getting there,” Muyiwa said with a laugh regarding his age. “I’m concerned about those who are going out to activities. I believe it’s something we’ll be controlling in no time. The shutdown will help.”
It was business as usual at the Monessen Dollar General.
“We just started it yesterday. It’s just the same old crowd we always have,” said Jacki Feld, the store manager. “We’re not supposed to refuse anybody. We just ask the younger crowd to be courteous.”
Feld said supplies of some items are getting low and customers are limited to no more than three of any of the items in high demand.
Shopper Rick Leo of Monessen said he has a lot of concerns about the coronavirus.
“There’s no call for people to empty the stores. Greediness is hurting us. People who need stuff can’t get it because of people being greedy,” Leo said.
Tina Fisher of North Charleroi said she really hasn’t been stocking up on any items and still goes to the store nearly every day.
“I’ve just been getting what I need,” Fisher said.
Dollar General said that in addition to the early morning hour for seniors, stores will also be closing an hour earlier during the coronavirus crisis.
“All stores plan to close one hour earlier than current close times to allow employees to clean and restock store shelves, as well as for their health and wellbeing. Stores will continue to maintain current opening hours,” the release states.