Shoppers across Melbourne have flocked to Woolworths supermarkets but many left empty-handed or unable to get bare essentials.

On the first morning of the new special one hour of shopping for the elderly and vulnerable at Woolworths supermarkets between 7am and 8am queues outside were long with hundreds waiting outside before opening time.

At Glen Huntly shoppers waited anxiously at the front of the store only to be left disappointed.

Pensioner Pat Riordan, 76, from Glen Huntly left empty-handed.

“I wanted to get toilet paper, paper towels and mince and there wasn’t any there,” she said.

“I asked in store and they said they didn’t get a delivery last night.” While pensioners Gillian Phillips, 66, and husband Rodney, 74, from Caulfield East said they were able to get a few items.

“We got antibacterial soap and tissues which they handed out when you entered the store,” Mrs Phillips said.

“I thought they would have more supplies.”