(Photo tweeted by Bill Schrier)
Again today, our weekend coverage starts with a reminder that we’re continuing to monitor and update local standalone grocery stores’ hours. Here’s our updated West Seattle list. This week’s biggest change: More set-aside hours for seniors and others at elevated risk. Also of note, more bans on personal bags. Thanks again to everyone who has shared info on changes and conditions!
Totally supporting not having grocery workers touch my bags. I have found that in several stores, they are happy to put my grocery items back in my cart unbagged, and then I take them to my car and use my own bags. I’m hoping that grocery stores start making aisles “one-way” so that we can assure that we don’t have to try to pass people mid aisle. Stay safe friends and neighbors!
Yes, one way aisles. I’ve been to the store a few times and it was impossible to stay 6ft away from people, I turn around to avoid one person and there are 3 more behind me…
Or there are oblivious people standing in the middle of aisles while others can’t get past them
I find it amusing that the city of seattle won’t make it an official policy to suspend the bag ban though. It makes it very discretionary as to where bags will be provided and at what cost, and then that’ll be discontinued.
During the COVID-19 crisis, our policies remain in place. However, there will be no enforcement action taken on businesses that are unable to remain in compliance.
Nice idea with the one way aisles! Other than passing in aisles, I feel like some people were not really getting the social distancing thing. I had my toddler with me and every now and then someone would come up behind me, inches away from us, to grab something off the shelf in front of me. Really trying not to get us sick here!What’s the protocol on personal bags if you bag your own groceries in self-checkout (what I tend to do)? Is that frowned upon? Also trying to still be environmentally conscious :) While keeping everyone safe!
Any news or info about the potential Instacart strike this week?
Not surprising, but just a heads up, PCC isn’t accepting returned glass milk jugs for deposit refund right now.
Totally unrelated to grocery shopping but pertaining to the weekend, and just for fun…
What are people enjoying while at home? Anyone watching old nostalgic movies? I watched Pretty Woman, and it cheered me up a bit. Thinking about watching some Indiana Jones today… what’s on your nostalgic movie list?
French Kiss, Cold Comfort Farm…also found great escapism on Smithsonian’s City of Frocks (vintage clothing series)
Cj—this is our family phrase!!! Always concocting what it was she saw. Do you know?
Well that’s the running joke: no one really knows what she saw. Nothing revealed in the source (Stella Gibbons’ novel) either. And in the end she can’t even remember herself. Miss Post decides it is unimportant so that’s good enough for me.
Yes! “There have always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm!”Also recommend The Road to Wellville and Dinner for Schmucks for laughs.
“They’ll be no butter in hell!” ;) So many good lines in that book/movie! Thanks for reminding me to re-watch it.
Started watching Downton Abbey for the first time. I’m hooked!
Broadway HD has Oklahoma! with High Jackman for free this weekend. We started watching it with our little girls. It’s…not really great for little girls to watch.
We’re seniors….My husband was at the downtown Costco last week and went at 8:00 am during senior hours. There were many young people let in. Same with Roxbury Safeway. Why have special hours if the stores aren’t going to abide by them?!
It’s also for people with underlying conditions/immune-compromised. I have a friend under 30 who is taking advantage of the special hours because she’s pregnant. I know young people who fit this category are probably the minority but I try to give them the benefit of the doubt that they did not realize there WERE special shopping hours (I really only know about it from twitter and WSB, resources not everyone checks daily) or that maybe they lost track of what day of the week it is. For the store to step in and stop them would require the store to ask personal questions about everyone’s health, which is not a great position for them to be in. I think education and signage, and people choosing to do the right thing is the best we can hope for. Hopefully it will get better as people learn the different hours.
Most stores have early hours that are for seniors AND those who are immune compromised, like me. My doctor suggested that I go to those early shopping hours. Your attitude is exactly why I don’t. I’ve heard stories from friends who did this and were confronted by irate seniors. You don’t need to know my medical situation but your assumptions make going early to try and stay healthy a losing endeavor.
Not sure about Costco’s special hours, but some stores are including people in any high risk category. So some of those young people you’re seeing may have underlying conditions. My husband has asthma and is calling it “weezers and geezers” hour.
Many of the early grocery store hours are also for folks who are immune compromised, and these conditions are often not visible and not age-related. While I’m sure there are others who do not need to be at the store during these early hours (which is why its great that places like WSB is sharing & highlighting these policies), I hope we can reserve judging folks who otherwise appear healthy.
Most of these shopping times are not JUST for seniors, but also for high-risk individuals–people with pre-existing conditions, people who are pregnant, etc.
@kat Should I bring my “papers” next time I’m out? Prove that I belong/merit/warrant/classified with you?
Janelle – Stir Crazy, dang it was easier last week when the weather was nicer making biking and walking more enjoyable.
I’m so grateful for the Senior shopping time set aside at the beginning of the shopping day. I’ve wondered if the stores could do something equivalent for young people who must be feeling the isolation so much more? Perhaps set aside the last 1 hour of shopping time for the 20-30s? At least they could see their peers and jog/dance down the aisles without having to watch out for the old ‘uns? Just a thought.
Maria, why do you think young people are feeling the isolation more than older people? The shopping hours for older people are to protect their health. There is no medical guidance that suggests younger people need special hours.
My idea of giving young people a time at the end of the day to shop when they were more likely to see their peers in the stores was in the spirit of empathizing with everyone’s needs at different stages of life. While I’m enjoying the ability to shop early to avoid crowds I’m also very aware that younger, healthier people are giving up their ability to shop early (and protect their own health that little bit more) to help me stay healthy. By 7 pm I’m ready to sit back and watch a good movie. It would make me feel great to hear that young people were dancing and singing down the aisles at that time (while maintaining a safe distance from others of course). Be well and many thanks to WSB for helping us connect and feel less isolated.
Agreed, Janelle. I thought it was a nice gesture, too. Glad to have people like Maria as a neighbor.
While I think your intentions are good-really don’t see need for special hours for young people -so they can have a social experience. Right now -grocery shopping should be a get in-get your groceries-get out activity. I do appreciate the kind thoughts toward others though.
Thanks, Anne: It’ll take all of us looking out for each other’s needs to help us through this trying time. Namaste.
Speaking for us young ppl, thanks for the thought! But don’t worry, we will FaceTime our peers until we get through this.
@maria m …. smacks of segregation … at risk populations? Yes, dedicated time. The rest of your thought? Not so much ….
I’m a ‘young person’ and definitely would not choose to shop during young person social hour… I go ONLY when needed and try to get in and out and not spend any more time than needed, like we’re all supposed to be doing
Hi Janelle, my family watched The Great Escape. It was a bit slow for the teen, but as lonely-only I think the image of Steve McQueen bouncing his baseball in The Cooler was not lost on him right now. Classic, light-hearted and discussion-prompting film!
The 2000 animated movie “Chicken Run” has several nods to classic escape movie scenes. One is a take on the scene of Steve McQueen bouncing the baseball in the cooler. Another, from the movie “Stalag 17”, is a take on the scene where William Holden leaves through a hole in the prison barracks and then comes back up to wave!
We haven’t been in a store all week. How are the shelves looking? Still enough stock out there on the basics? I’m assuming paper products are still hard to come by. Just curious. Thanks
I went to the admiral Safeway a couple days ago- bread and meat were restocked, paper aisle still empty. Canned goods appeared to mostly be in stock. Frozen aisle had several empty spots. I think every place is out of flour and some other baking ingredients.
Thanks for the movie sharing and suggestions all! Some great ones, and some I haven’t heard of and want to check out :)
Hope more neighbors share favorites, thanks everyone, stay well!
I accidentally clicked into Tiger King on Netflix last night and… couldn’t look away. I’ve only watched the first episode, but it’s intriguing to say the least!
Glad to see the Met Market is trying to give people some guidance on keeping distance from one another. I wish more restaurants and services that are open would do so. I went to pick up some takeout recently and the restaurant had no signs regarding social/physical distance and the less self-aware customers would just come in and literally squeeze by everyone that is already in line, trying to keep their distance from one another, and go to the front b/c they thought everyone else was just casually hanging out or something.
That’s disturbing. I know PCC has the floor space markers. I believe Bartell’s does too. There’s only one restaurant we’re going to (Circa) and they have no-contact pick up with a request to sanitize your hands before entering.
&cwit … please don’t blame the merchants … they can’t “make” people abide by social distancing. Thoughts and comments like that don’t do any good for the merchants trying to stay afloat in these times. We need to look inwards and at our own selves and the actions we take… Don’t blame merchants for this!
Kudos to you for backing the merchants and I’m appreciative of them being open and dealing with everything that they are but take it easy. I’m not blaming the merchants or telling them to ‘make’ people keep distance – I said I wished they would provide more GUIDANCE. I also did not call out the specific merchant.The guidance could be something as simple as a sign at the door that said ‘Please make an effort to keep 6 ft apart’. That takes very little effort and may remind people, that are otherwise oblivious, to do so.You’re acting as is I have the torches and pitchforks out.
I appreciate stores having special times for the vulnerable, but I wish they all weren’t at the crack of dawn. I know that’s when the stores are most clean, but not everyone keeps the same schedule.
Maybe this has been addressed in the comments but I don’t feel like reading them all. Yes, offering stores at their cleanest is important, also, if it wasn’t at the opening hours each day, how do you suppose they would separate the population groups? Tell everyone else to exit at noon and then let the seniors in?
The start of the day is (for the most part) when the most stock is on the shelves. By giving them hours later in the day, you’re also reducing the possibility they’ll get certain high-demand items, and increasing the chance they’ll have to make a second trip sooner as a result. It may be harder for people with different schedules, but it really is the best time for so many reasons.
This week I’m noticing empty shelves in the baking aisles. White flour, white sugar, brownsugar,chocolate chips. Last week it was the butter and egg aisles that were stripped.This next week will see another run on milk for all the cookies being baked!
Turns out stress baking is Seattle’s response to pandemic–who knew?
i am so thankful that the stores are open and well stocked – also for the employees, who are right in the middle of all of this. i will say, most people are acting civil and trying to keep some distance but i have noticed a few people darting around, sprint-walking, popping out around corners and not giving a chance (or seeming concerned about) for proper distance. we’re all in the same boat, slow down.if you are that agitated/freaked out that you need to tear around, maybe do pick-up or delivery?
My experience as a senior is that it’s probably best to avoid the early opening senior hours. Instead try mid-morning when the first rush has passed. This approach has worked for us at TJs and Costco.
Can’t speak for other stores but Thriftway’s senior days are Tues & Thurs mornings at 8. Went Thursday -about 8:15 & it was not at all crowded.
7-9 am T and Th; we (both elevated risk) were there 7:45 am last Tuesday, not crowded; making space for others in the aisle and around the produce section wasn’t hard. They now have checkout-counter Plexiglas too.
Sorry -yes open for seniors at 7 am -still not crowded at all at 8:15. They were out of self serve sanitizing wipes at that time-but had an employee spraying & wiping down each cart—much appreciated.
Off topic but I can’t find it anywhere…is the Verizon store in the junction open? Someone, not naming names, dropped their phone on a tile floor at a really bad time.
Update, from driving by they are open but they did not answer the phone so I called the store in admiral and they were able to explain what I needed to do over the phone without my needing to go into the store which was better for everyone!
Anita and OthersA person may be in their 30’s and on chemo therapy and states away from their family, with no one to shop for them and limited cash flow. NO, you may want to shop with peers, who may be more lax with their safety measures, but that is medically contraindicated. Everyone, please reserve your judgments. If you must speak, or require a personal answer, then ask the young person, with a compassionate tone why they are there. They may be at higher risk of dying than you! If you suspect they are just there for arbitrary reasons, explain why it makes you feel vulnerable and threatened. Let’s communicate and treat each other with dignity!
FYI, just at the WS Home Depot, packed full of people and no hand sanitizer at ANY if the checkout stands. Saw these issues so left before getting what was needed. Stay safe.
@kat – please don’t blame the merchants for the lack of hand sanitizer at your checkout line! it’s not like there is a magical tree full of hand sanitizer right now … right now, businesses deserve, and for the most part have earned your respect as customers. The fact that they didn’t have hand sanitizer at the checkout line does not discourage me from buying things from their business. Stay positive, and roll with it… We will get through this!
While hand sanitizer might be hard to come by, what’s keeping them from having sanitizing spray and paper towels available? Thriftway is able to do this.
But they should have hand sanitizerz. And they *should* be more aggressive in efforts to contain the spread. In Malaysia there only allow a few people at a time into stores and markers are set on the floor for distancing. People wear masks in case they are infected but asymptomatic. Singapore, which has garnered praise for their success in their fight against covid19 is even more aggressive. We are in the midst of a pandemic. I think groceries stores can and should be a part of that fight. Rolling with it is not going to cut it anymore.
I’ll give a shout out for McMillion$ which is a 6 part documentary about the McDonalds Monopoly Game Fraud from 1989 to 2000 . The fraud netted some $24M to pseudo-mobsters and what were they thinking semi-solid citizens. All episodes have now aired on HBO and if you don’t subscribe, see about a free trial. I’ll just say it’s smart and well done without giving away all the “never would have seen that coming” moments.
Huge thanks to the workers at the stores I’ve been to (Westwood Village QFC and West Seattle Trader Joe’s). Not only are they doing hard work in a difficult and dangerous time, but many are also offering much-needed conversation to people who may not get many other chances to talk to anyone in person this month. All you retail workers out there deserve medals of honor!
If you have a library card you can sign up online for their free streaming service, Kanopy. There are lots of interesting indie films, oldies, and Criterion collection options. I plan on watching the original Blade Runner on Netflix as soon as I finish Ozark, but some lighter and less gory options would be a welcome relief. I’m thinking Out of Africa…
Today(Saturday) I ran into 7-11 at Holden and 17th to purchase a gift card for my grandsons birthday. Smaller store easy to do in 2 min. I put my purchase on the counter, stepped back to give the clerk space. A man came up behindme about 2 1/2 feet. I asked him to please step back and he asked me why. I pointed to the 6 foot sign in front of us, again he asked me why. I replied with because you’re required. At that point my transaction finished and I left. At no point did the clerk say anything even though he is in charge of the store. I am obviously over 60. I must say they have put alot of thought into protecting their supply, obviously the customer isn’t added into the equation. Made me want to fake cough on the both of them.. .Didnt, I’m better than that.
I understand where you’re coming from, but you also have to put yourself in the shoes of the merchant… How do you balance the current environment with the potential for turning off a customer? I don’t think it is fair to blame a merchant when all in all, it comes down to personal responsibility and recognition of the situation that we are in.
I think in these times the merchant has the absolute power to speak up and enforce that six feet rule. Not many stores are open, if that customer was being a jerk than he can go shop somewhere else where he will most likely be asked to respect the six feet rule. If all merchants can stand united in this, our social distancing will be successful.
It’s nice that the stores are remaining well stocked, save TP, and still are having weekly deals.
I’m enforcing the 6 ft rule…Some dude tried to roll up in line a foot behind me and I gave him the wave off..”Hey man, back up….”It worked…speak up people.
Good for you! I don’t understand why people don’t keep their distance. I do the 6feet waltz and sometimes 10 feet waltz aroud people when I encounter them anyway. Seems awkward but I would rather be awkward than sorry later.
Sorry, comment time is over.
| 81 COMMENTS