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Although many retailers offer senior discounts, most of the major chains don’t, and some larger chains have discontinued their programs in recent years.
Among those not offering senior discounts are Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, Best Buy, Apple, Macy’s, Gap, Old Navy, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi. Amazon offers a Prime membership discount for those on Medicaid or other qualifying government assistance programs.
Kroger in 2014 changed its senior discount program from offering a 10% discount on the first Wednesday of each month to offering 5% off each Thursday. Then, in 2017, Kroger ended its senior discount altogether in favor of broader price reductions.
Kroger said at the time, “We want all customers to save every day, without regard to a shopping day. These new lower prices on thousands of items throughout the store make the shopping experience easier and a great value for everyone."
Publix likewise in 2017 ended its 5% senior discounts every Wednesday. The Florida-based grocer stated at the time, “We will continue to offer more and more BOGO's to customers throughout the store along with our weekly sales. This strategy resonates more with our customers.”
Others that have ended their programs in recent years include Meijer in the Pacific Northwest, Winn Dixie in the Southeast, and Big Y in the Northeast.
According to AARP, retailers standing out for generous senior discount programs include:
- Kohl’s: 15% off for 60-plus shoppers on in-store purchases on Wednesdays.
- Rite Aid: 5X Rite Aid Reward points for 65-plus shoppers on the first Wednesday of every month.
- Pep Boys: 10% discount for 55-plus shoppers on any in-store purchase on any day.
- Walgreens: 20% off in-store purchases for 55-plus shoppers on the first Tuesday of every month.
- Goodwill: 15% to 25% off one day a week, typically Tuesday or Wednesday, for shoppers ages 55 and older.
- Michaels: 10% off in-store purchases any day for 55-plus shoppers. Michaels Rewards members of the same age group get 10% off online purchases as well.
- Ross Dress for Less: 10% off every Tuesday for shoppers 55 and older.