Some Trader Joe’s are limiting customers in Charlotte stores amid coronavirus spread
Some Charlotte grocery stores are limiting more than hours and how many items customers can buy as the number of coronavirus cases grows locally and globally.
At least two of the three Trader Joe’s in Charlotte are limiting how many customers can be in the store at one time. The Metropolitan Avenue store started watching the number of customers on Friday, while the Rea Road location will limit the number of carts in the store at one time to 45, workers at each location told The Observer on the phone Friday. By limiting the number, workers said, carts can be sanitized between customers. The East Arbors Drive store did not provide specifics for that location.
Kenya Friend-Daniel, spokeswoman for the California-based grocery chain, said there is not a company-wide policy for its stores to limit customers. She said stores are following guidelines set out by each state, such as social distancing.
“All stores are following local and state guidelines to provide a safeguard the customers and crews,” she said. “The need is different at each store.”
She said all stores are offering hand sanitizers and wipes, and offering special assistance to customers who may need it, such as seniors.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper last week declared a state of emergency banning mass gatherings of more than 100 people. Mecklenburg County went a step further, prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people.
More than 160 people in North Carolina have tested positive for COVID-19, the novel strain of the coronavirus, The (Raleigh) News and Observer reporter Friday. Mecklenburg County has had 43 cases.
Other limits
Food Lion this week joined a list of retailers limiting purchases on items, with its two-item product limit on liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, some water bottle packs, bath tissue, paper towels, household cleaners, bleach and dish detergent.
Other stores implemented item purchase limits earlier this month, including Harris Teeter, Publix, Target and Walmart. Harris Teeter said last week, customers are limited to buying three items on high-demand preparedness items products like water and cleaning supplies.
Matthews-based Harris Teeter put new hours in effect that started Thursday, closing one hour earlier to focus on cleaning and replenishment. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Discount grocer Aldi also announced a reduction in store hours on Monday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Bi-Lo, said Thursday stores will close nightly at 8 p.m.
The Fresh Market also adjusted hours that started Thursday with stores open 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Special shopping hours
Whole Foods Market is letting customers 60 and older shop one hour before the store opens. Charlotte’s four stores are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closing two hours earlier than usual to allow time to restock shelves and sanitize.
The Fresh Market also is catering to seniors and others at higher risk of COVID-19 with shopping hours 8-9 a.m. Monday-Friday.
Target announced Wednesday that its stores will reserve the first hour of shopping on Wednesdays for vulnerable guests, such as elderly and people with health concerns. Dollar General also is open the first.
Bi-Lo’s special shopping hour dedicated to seniors and high-risk customers is from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday-Friday.
Fresh Market also reserves the first hour of weekday shopping from 8-9 a.m. for seniors and other individuals most at risk, including chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, the company said in statement.
Reid’s Fine Foods grocery is offering free delivery to all customers age 60 and older within 5 miles of one of its four Charlotte locations.
