News Summary
Late-night shoppers in Phoenix are facing limited grocery options as major chains reduce operating hours due to the pandemic. Most grocery stores like Walmart, Fry’s, and Albertsons have scaled back their hours, leaving late-night customers searching for alternatives. WinCo Foods continues to operate 24 hours, providing a solace for those needing groceries after traditional business hours. QuikTrip also offers some convenience, operating around the clock for essential items, though its kitchen services close at 10 p.m. Shoppers are advised to verify hours before heading out.
Phoenix, Arizona – Late-night shoppers in Arizona are facing limited grocery options due to changes in store operating hours prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. Since March 2020, several major grocery chains have modified their hours, impacting the availability of services for night owls. As it stands, major grocery retailers in the Phoenix area, including Fry’s, Albertsons, Safeway, and Bashas’, are no longer open 24 hours, significantly reducing late-night shopping opportunities.
Walmart, which used to offer round-the-clock shopping, has implemented new hours as well, with most locations now opening at 6 a.m. and closing between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. This shift has left many late-night consumers searching for alternatives to meet their grocery needs.
Fortunately, there are still a few options available for those who require after-hours shopping. All nine WinCo Foods locations in the Valley remain open 24 hours, allowing customers to access an extensive range of grocery items at any time of the day or night. WinCo stores are strategically located across the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, San Tan Valley, Glendale, Goodyear, and Surprise.
Additionally, QuikTrip stands out as another viable option for late-night shoppers. The convenience store chain boasts over 100 locations in central and southern Arizona, and most of these establishments operate 24 hours a day. While QuikTrip primarily offers limited grocery items such as pantry staples, snacks, drinks, milk, and eggs, it is an accessible option for those needing quick essentials. However, it is important to note that QuikTrip’s kitchen services, which include hot food and ice cream, typically close at 10 p.m.
Some pharmacies, including certain Walgreens and CVS locations, also maintain 24-hour operations. However, hours can fluctuate, so shoppers are advised to confirm the specific operating hours of their local store.
Current Grocery Store Hours in Arizona
Grocery store operating hours across Arizona can vary significantly, as outlined below:
- Walmart: Most locations open at 6 a.m.; closing times vary by location (10 p.m. or 11 p.m.).
- Fry’s Food Stores: Generally open at either 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.; close at either 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
- Safeway and Albertsons: Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Bashas’: Similar hours to Safeway and Albertsons, but some locations close an hour earlier on Sundays.
- Target: Most locations operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with some hours varying.
- Whole Foods: Most locations are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a few opening at 8 a.m.
- Sprouts: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With current shopping hours varying greatly from store to store, late-night shoppers are encouraged to verify the hours of their local grocery stores either online or via phone to avoid inconvenience.
Conclusion
The ongoing adjustments to grocery store hours in Arizona due to the pandemic have created challenges for late-night shoppers looking for convenience. While traditional grocery store options may be limited, WinCo Foods and QuikTrip provide some relief, allowing access to essential items outside of regular business hours. As shoppers navigate this changing landscape, staying informed about store hours remains vital for ease and efficiency.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 6 Now: WinCo Foods Celebrates Grand Opening
- Wikipedia: Grocery Store
- AZCentral: Arizona Grocery Store 24-Hour Shopping List
- Google Search: Grocery Shopping Hours
- Times Record News: WinCo Foods Announces Opening Date
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grocery Store
- Texoma’s Homepage: WinCo Foods Set to Open Soon
- Google News: WinCo Foods
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
