On a recent evening, I ventured out to hunt groceries, an elusive quarry in these times.
I typically go in the late evening, just before stores close, with fewer shoppers about. I used to drive first to Market Basket, which closed at 9, then on to Hannaford, which closed at midnight. More recently both had been closing at 9.
But a month ago Market Basket began closing every day at 6. So I have been shopping at Hannaford, in the last hour. Upon entering the lobby at 7:50, I was told to “please make your selections quickly, the store is closing in 10 minutes.” About face, back out the door. I returned the next evening, an hour earlier. The parking lot was considerably more crowded, though not nearly as crowded as Market Basket at any given hour.
It’s disturbing that grocery stores, a necessity for us all and among the few industries to enjoy surging demand during the pandemic, should restrict hours, forcing us shoppers into fewer hours. Physical distance becomes much more difficult.
I understand that both chains are open an extra hour early mornings for elder shoppers. But I would like to see them expand evening/night hours, too. Many of us would take advantage of that.
Also, none of the cashiers or baggers were wearing a mask because, they said, it was not mandatory.
Hannaford should make masks mandatory for all employees and provide them for free. With business booming, they can afford it.
JEFF EITREIM
Hopkinton