Make way for Granny: L.A. grocers go 65-plus in pre-dawn hours during coronavirus pandemic

As concerns over the coronavirus pandemic grow and lengthy lines snake outside grocery stores before the sun even comes up, many retailers have announced they are setting aside time for people 65 and older (at most stores) and other at-risk populations to do their shopping in a less-crowded environment.

Shoppers lined up before dawn outside the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Altadena on Thursday as the store opened before 7 a.m. for seniors.

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

Michell Guajardo, right, owner and operator of the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Altadena, gives a social distancing air hug to Jim Steinberg, 67, as senior shoppers lined up outside before dawn Thursday.

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

Volunteer Susan Hartley, right, a schoolteacher, delivers groceries from a shopping list to Anna Woods, 85, at the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Altadena.

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

Dave Leaf, 67, shops at Gelson’s Market in Manhattan Beach. The store is doing a “seniors shopping hour” before the store opens to the general public.

(Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

Gelson’s Market in Manhattan Beach has a “seniors shopping hour” before the store opens to the general public.

(Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

Shoppers including Eileen Oda Leaf, 67, left, and her husband Dave Leaf, 67, right, both wearing protective masks, line up outside Gelson’s Market in Manhattan Beach.

(Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

An employee at the Trader Joe’s store in Monrovia tells customers waiting in line that it would open doors to everyone at 9 a.m., not just seniors.

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)