Due to COVID-19, Walmart makes changes including 2nd change in hours, adds to list of stores setting senior hours

Over the weekend, Walmart adjusted their operating hours to help make it easier for associates to stock and perform enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. They are adjusting them again beginning Thursday, March 19.

According to a statement, Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours. Walmart states that this will further help associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store. While the store hours change for customers, associates will continue to have access to their regular scheduled shifts and full hours, according to the company.

In addition to new hours, Walmart is offering special shopping hours for older citizens that are more vulnerable to COVID-19. From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time.

Due to certain items that are flying off of the shelves, Walmart stores will have limits for customers in certain categories including paper products, milk, eggs, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, water, diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food.

To allow associates to focus on stocking and cleaning the rest of the store, the retail chain will also temporarily shut down Auto Care Centers.

Market Basket, Target, and Stop & Shop have also set senior shopping hours.