As the COVID-19 delta variant continues its hold, local grocery chains are paring back store hours.
The new schedule began at Triangle-area Publix stores earlier this month, shortening hours of operation until 9 or 10 p.m. On September 11, Harris Teeter stores followed suit statewide, shifting to a new 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. schedule.
Communications Director Danna Robinson says the change will allow associates to process online orders more efficiently and take advantage of earned time off.
“Closing our stores a little bit earlier definitely helps us manage labor in this difficult employment environment that all retail is facing,” says Robinson. “And it ensures excellent closings that are going to help us be better prepared for the following day. We want to make sure that our stores are a clean and safe place for our associates to work and our customers to shop.”
Retail and service industries across North Carolina are altering their hours due to pandemic-related worker shortages. Robinson says senior shopping and pharmacy hours will remain the same at Harris Teeter. She adds the new schedule will remain in effect until further notice.