U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

With social distancing becoming a new norm, it's difficult to safely buy food and other necessities amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In response, some retailers and restaurants are opting for curbside pickup and other contactless pickup options to help ensure the safety of customers and employees. Plus, some retailers have offered curbside and low-contact pickup for years and are continuing to do so, even while limiting the open hours inside their stores.

In addition to the national chains below, plenty of local businesses are also rolling out innovative curbside and contactless pickup options. As many small businesses are struggling now, be sure to check out options in your neighborhood or city. And be sure to tip generously when possible, as retail and restaurant workers are being hit especially hard by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.

See:

Note that the availability of these options is subject to change. Be sure to visit the retailer's or restaurant's site before placing an order:

Applebee's

Books-A-Million

Chili's

Dick's Sporting Goods

DSW

Dunkin'

Potbelly

The Cheesecake Factory

Target

Walmart

Applebee's

The chain has been offering curbside delivery for years. To use it, place an Applebee's to-go order online or via the app. When you receive confirmation that your order is ready, drive to the restaurant, park in a designated pickup spot, respond to the order confirmation text (or tap the "I'm Here" button in the app), and your order will be brought to your car.

Books-A-Million

The chain has rolled out a new curbside delivery option. Pace an online order, select store pickup at checkout and wait for the order confirmation. When you receive the confirmation, drive to the store, call the store's number and ask to have your items brought to your car.

Chili's

The chain has offered curbside pickup for a while now. If you're trying it for the first time, it's easy to get your food without leaving your car. Simply place an order online or via the app. Drive to the restaurant and park in a designated spot with a Curbside Pickup sign. Follow the instructions in your order confirmation or in the app to tell Chili's you've arrived, and the order will be brought to your car.

Dick's Sporting Goods

The retailer implemented curbside contactless delivery on March 18. Customers can shop online , select the "pick up in store" option, drive to the store upon order confirmation status, call the store and select "0" to tell an employee they have arrived for their order. An employee will then bring the order out to their car.

DSW

Stores shut down for customers on March 17. But those who need to buy shoes can still pick them up curbside. Just place an online order, and select store pickup. When you pull up, an employee will bring your order out to your car. DSW is also currently offering 20% off online orders with code SHOPONLINE.

Dunkin'

The chain is expanding curbside delivery to select locations nationwide. If it's an option, you'll see it in the app when you place your order.

Potbelly

The sandwich chain is offering contactless pickup for online to-go orders. Options vary by store. Some locations provide curbside pickup (simply pull up outside and call the store to have an employee bring your order out to you). Others are offering designated pickup stations so that customers can pick up their bags without any human interaction.

See:

The Cheesecake Factory

Curbside service is available for to-go orders placed online. Plus, until April 16, get a free slice of cheesecake when you spend $30 or more on your online pickup order. Use promo code FREESLICE at checkout to get this deal.

Target

Target has offered curbside order pickup for a couple years now via its Drive Up service. Just place an order on the Target app, opt for curbside, update the store when you are on your way and park in a designated spot when you reach the store. Your order will be loaded into your car. Note that certain items, including perishable food, are not eligible for Drive Up orders. Note that Target locations nationwide are also reducing their store hours and are designating the first hour of shopping every day for seniors and others at higher risk for the coronavirus .

Walmart

Walmart has offered curbside grocery pickup for a few years now. To use the service, place your order online , opt for curbside pickup and select an appointment. When you show up at your approved time and park in a designated spot, an employee will load your groceries into your car. If demand for this service is high at your store, you may not be able to get same-day pickup. Note that 24-hour Walmart locations nationwide are closing early.

Companies and products mentioned in this article may be promoted on www.offers.com.

25 Ways to Fix Your Finances Fast

Compare Offers

Compare Offers

Raymond Mitchell, Author

Post a Comment