![['Shoppers used to buying groceries at the Colemans Food Centre on Humber Road will have to go elsewhere after the store shuts Saturday in order to have the quality of the building’s roof assessed.']](https://saltwire.imgix.net/colemans-humber-road-2929180.jpg?cs=srgb&fit=crop&h=568&w=847&dpr=1&auto=enhance%2Cformat%2Ccompress)
Colemans will on Tuesday begin a temporary dedicated shopping hour for senior citizens, people with disabilities and the immunocompromised.
The move is designed to help ensure these customers are able to shop in less crowded aisles in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the company said in a news release.
Colemans stores across the province will open their doors solely to seniors, those with disabilities and the immunocompromised for the first hour of operation (store hours vary by location and can be found at colemans.ca).
“The coronavirus situation has been challenging for many people, especially those who require more time and space to navigate through our stores to pick up essential supplies,” said Greg Gill, vice president of marketing for Colemans.
“By allowing exclusive access to seniors, those with disabilities and the immunocompromised, our hope is they can avail of a less stressful shopping experience.”
The dedicated shopping hour will begin at the commencement of business Tuesday and will be in place until further notice. Colemans is asking that all customers respect this temporary measure to provide additional time and space for those most vulnerable.
Jim Cormier, director, government relations (Atlantic) For the Regional Council of Canada, said the subject of a special shopping time is being discussed and it’s up to each retailer to decide what they do.
“Like most, we’re in uncharted territory but we’ll do our best to serve our customers in the best way possible,” he said.
Some stores in Australia, the U.S. and other places have gone with a similar special shopping time.
