Kroger stores in Georgia, eastern Alabama and South Carolina are expanding hours beginning this weekend, marking a return to more traditional store hours since COVID-19 altered hours at hundreds of stores.
In a news release, Kroger's Atlanta division announced increased hours at dozens of stores that will vary by location beginning Sunday, May 24. The hours of operation will remain the same for pharmacies at the grocery stores.
“The expanded hours will help maintain social distancing requirements during busy summer months,” Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta division, said in the statement. “The safety of our customers and associates remains our top priority. Kroger will continue to maintain protective measures established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Most of the Georgia stores will be open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. starting Sunday. Fuel centers will open at 5 a.m. and select number of stores will open for 24-hour shopping.
The stores altered hours in mid-March to give associates time to restock and thoroughly clean at the stores during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Shortly after that announcement, the company began designating 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays for seniors over 60 and high-risk people as defined by the CDC.
Besides the longer hours, Kroger will no longer offer the special senior hours.
The same practices of social distancing, face masks and sanitation will remain in place as protective measures for customers and staff.
On Monday, Kroger also announced it would need additional support at its stores, announcing it would expand the division's employee base by 500 people in the Atlanta division, according to a previous Atlanta Journal-Constitution report.
Its competitor, Publix, extended hours across the country last weekend.
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