The GIANT Company announced several updates, as part of its efforts to continue meeting the needs of its customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including modified hours that help care for older members of the community, Wednesday evening. 

To support older adults beginning Thursday, March 19, all GIANT, MARTIN’S and GIANT Heirloom Market stores will open from 6 a.m. – 7 a.m. daily in order to service only customers who 60 and older. Additionally, in order to allow more time for sanitizing efforts, unloading of deliveries, stocking of shelves, and better serve customers throughout the day, all store hours will be adjusted to 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. beginning Thursday, also, until further notice, a company spokesperson said. 

Of the new hours for older adults, the changes implemented will allow customers in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which enables social distancing. They’ll also be shopping prior to any other customers entering, company officials said, thus limiting health risk to the group. 

Pennsylvania has one of the oldest populations in the country, according to federal population data. 

“Although team members will not request ID for entry, the company asks its customers to please respect the purpose of the early opening – and do the right thing for your neighbors” a Giant Company Spokesperson said of the new procedures. 

 “We are grateful for our team members who are working tirelessly around the clock to restock our store shelves and online fulfillment centers and continuing to serve our customers and communities during this unprecedented time,” said Nicholas Bertram, president, The GIANT Company. “While all of our stores remain open and operational, we do have some updates to share which will enable us to help get products on shelves sooner and continue serving customers while protecting the health and well being of our…,” employees.”

Lastly beginning immediately, GIANT is placing a limits of “two” on key categories throughout the store, including paper goods and disinfectant products, company officials said. Overwhelming demand has created shortages and out of stocks on many disinfecting and cleaning products, thus limiting purchases on these and other items, according to the chains website. 

Giant instituted changes for operations last week when it announced 24 hour stores would close to sanitize and restock shelves for daily deliveries.

The company now operates 186 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as 132 pharmacies, 105 fuel stations and more than 125 online grocery pickup hubs and delivery service, according to the company officials.