Walmart has decided to return to its pre-COVID-19 hours in anticipation of an increased number of shoppers at its stores this holiday season.
In a recent tweet, the popular retailer announced that beginning Nov. 14 hours would be extended to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at its Walmart and Neighborhood Markets across the country. This is the second time the Arkansas-based company has extended its hours since the storewide reduction in hours due to COVID-19 in the spring.
“This will give customers more time to shop and help us disperse traffic throughout the day. Stores with more reduced hours will keep current hours of operation,” according to the company statement.
At the height of the coronavirus pandemic in March, the company announced it would reduce hours at its locations, including its 24-hour stores. In August, the company updated its hours at more than 4,000 of its 4,700 stores, extending closing times from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dacona Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S., said at the time the decision was made to “better support our associates and serve our customers.” The reduced hours also allowed associates time to sanitize and restock items during the closed hours, similar to strategies used by major grocers including Publix, Kroger and Target.
According to the retail giant’s communications team, the company’s stores will continue health and safety measures, such as social distancing, health screenings, plastic barriers at the registers, and requiring face masks.
Customers looking for the most current store hours for their local location can check the store finder on Walmart.com.
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