In an effort to combat panic buying Woolworths and Coles started opening their doors an hour early last week for seniors and people with disabilities.
Both shops opened exclusively between 7am and 8am weekdays to ensure the elderly and people with disabilities could shop in less crowded aisles during the coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes following scenes of empty shelves mere minutes after supermarkets open as a result of the fear of shortages due to COVID-19.
Many Mandurah locals were happy about the announcement as they could now get necessary items they were unable to buy during normal shopping hours.
Mandurah shopper Noli Pulford said, "I think the extended hours are good because it helps the weak and the vulnerable.
"I have a 95-year-old mum that I have to look after so I come down to do shopping for her.
"I have been able to get everything I need since the shops have opened an hour early," she said.
Woolworths and Coles outlined shoppers will be allowed in at the earlier time if they can show a relevant government-issued seniors, pensioner or disability card.
Although seniors and people with disabilities were happy about the extended hours, a lot of them expressed anger towards people stockpiling.
Mandurah retiree Lisa (surname withheld) said, "The fact the shops are doing this is great but the fact people are so greedy we have to do it is ridiculous."
