Seniors deserve a break and there are plenty of discounts available. But if you are a senior, it's important to note, you can't be shy; discounts will not be handed to you. You must ask for them!
"You do have to ask. You know a lot of times they don't offer it you know," shopper and retiree Steve Beer said.
If anyone is looking for extra savings, it's going to be Beer. Like most seniors, he's on a fixed income.
"Trying to make sure the government doesn't discount that," Beer said.
For being 65 and older, here at the Memorial City Mall Chick-Fil-A, it's 25 cents for a small soda. Senior discounts at other Chick-Fil-As around town vary. It's usually a free soda or coffee, up to 10 percent off their meal.
"Quite frankly, right now with the economy the way it is, you know every penny helps," Beer said.
At all Sweet Tomatoes restaurants in the Houston area, seniors 60 years and older can enjoy a meal and a beverage for $6.99 between 2 and 5pm Monday through Thursday. All other times at Sweet Tomatoes, seniors get 10 percent off.
One of the best senior discounts in our area is movie tickets and here in the Houston area, there are several movie theaters that participate, so expect to pay 20 to 40 percent less than the regular price. At Cinemark at Memorial City Mall, seniors 62 and older can save almost half the price with a movie ticket price of $5.25 on Mondays. All other days, it's $7 for seniors. At Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Stadium, for seniors over 60, it's $7.25 a movie ticket every day. The normal price is $10.50.
"I just had my 59th birthday last week so I am signing up," shopper Jan McNeill said.
At Kroger, seniors who are 59 and over, get 10 percent off all Kroger brand items every day. Seniors must register your Kroger Plus shopper's card at the customer service desk to get your discount, and some exclusions apply.
"It really adds up," shopper Yvonne Sears said
When it comes to retail, most Banana Republic stores offer a 10 percent senior discount every day for seniors 50-plus. At Ross Dress for Less, seniors 55 years and older should join the Every Tuesday Club. Eligible seniors are entitled to 10 percent off purchases made on Tuesdays but they must sign up at the customer service desk to get a discount card. And finally at area Great Clips hair salons, seniors 65 and older get $2 off a haircut.
"You have to ask about them and they usually give them but they do not offer them," Sears said.
We found another freebie at the grocery store, select H-E-Bs will give free coffee to senior citizens when they shop. Again it varies from location to location, it's just important to ask!
Some businesses gave discounts to those 50 and older and other places it was 65. This was something that was inconsistent. We noticed 60 to be the happy medium.
