OTTAWA -- Some grocery stores and pharmacies are opening their doors early exclusively to seniors or the immunocompromised to give them a chance to stock up.

Starting Tuesday, many Your Indepenent Grocer stores in Ottawa and around the region will open from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for shoppers 65+ only.

This policy will be in place until further notice.

Owners are asking all other customers to respect this exclusive hour and shop from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The following stores say they will open from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. to seniors only starting Tuesday:

  • Ross', 3777 Strandherd Dr.
  • Moncion's, 685 River Rd.
  • McDaniel's, 200 Grant Carman Dr.
  • Dessureault's, 1619 Orléans Blvd.
  • McDonough's, 1160 Beaverwood Rd.
  • Asselin's, 1560 Cameron St.
  • Parent, 2737 Laurier St.
  • King's, 5911 Perth St. 
  • Massine's, 296 Bank St.

The following stores say they will be enacting the same policy starting Wednesday:

  • Riley's YIG at Billings Bridge Shopping Centre
  • Wilson's, 2681 Alta Vista Dr.
  • Hess', 596 Montreal Rd.
  • Patrice's, 401 Ottawa St. in Almonte.
  • Brown's, 1251 Stittsville Main St.

Some stores are varying their hours each day. Call ahead to confirm what time seniors' hour will take place at your neighbourhood store.

Shoppers Drug Mart stores are offering similar services.

Farm Boy says starting Friday, March 20, early shopping will be available at all stores for the most vulnerable customers and those that require extra attention, particularly seniors, people with disabilities and pregnant women. 

Sobeys says it will offer seniors' shopping hours at many of its stores starting Friday.