Big retailers are changing how they do business, and it's all because of COVID-19 and the way people are stocking up all over the country.
COVID-19 has sent people into a buying frenzy. As households attempt to acquire two weeks' worth of supplies, grocery store shelves are bearing the brunt of it. Paper goods, cleaning supplies, and meat are all in high demand, and retailers are struggling to keep up with restocking and cleaning.
Walmart
Walmart has issued a blanket statement that all stores will be closing at 11 p.m. each night, even the locations that were previously open 24 hours a day.
Starting March 15, Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates can clean and stock products. Stores operating under more reduced hours will keep current hours of operation. https://t.co/xw5GuNFQ0F
— Walmart (@Walmart) March 15, 2020
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's has been particularly hard-hit and announced that they would be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily until further notice.
The real heroes here are the staff members at all of the grocery stores, Costcos, targets, etc... 👏🏽 #hangintherefolks #youtherealMVP #coronapocalypse #TraderJoes pic.twitter.com/RBdAsnHqAa
— Britni Lopez (@britnilopez) March 13, 2020
Target
Target released a statement to address how they are handling the situation.
The health and safety of our guests and team is our first priority. Read more from CEO Brian Cornell about how Target is responding to the coronavirus: https://t.co/8Mav7yaMbG
— Target News (@TargetNews) March 10, 2020
Others
Some stores are choosing to close down completely, just to be on the safe side. Apple, Nike, and Patagonia are just a few that will close their doors temporarily.
Dear Patagonia community,
— Patagonia (@patagonia) March 13, 2020
As COVID-19 spreads—and is now officially a pandemic—we are taking additional safety measures to protect our employees and customers. The scale of impact is still unknown, and we want to do our part to protect our community especially. pic.twitter.com/UQAI8XSYlZ
With love, Your Nike Family pic.twitter.com/BgXNwItRRU
— Nike (@Nike) March 15, 2020
Bottom line, if you need to go out shopping, be sure to check online or call to see if your location has special hours. Most retailers are posting their updates on Twitter, Facebook, and directly on their own websites. Grocery stores especially are altering their normal hours of operation to allow for extra stocking and inventory time. In my own neighborhood, Harris Teeter has limited their hours but Giant is trying to maintain their regular schedule.
Harris Teeter is committed to providing an Incredible Place to Work and Shop. To focus on cleaning, replenishment, and the well-being of our valued associates, we will close our stores at 9 p.m. each night, effective Sunday, March 15, until further notice.
— Harris Teeter (@HarrisTeeter) March 14, 2020
As a local grocer that has served the D.C., MD, VA and DE area for 84 years, Giant Food understands the vital role that we play in providing for our communities. Click the link to see our thoughts on how we can help one another through current challenges: https://t.co/DnldB6j613
— Giant Food (@GiantFood) March 15, 2020
What kind of changes are you seeing in your local stores? Tell us about them in the comments!