what time does walmart close
Walmart is extending its store hours for the first time since November, marking a shift from the significant reductions made during the early stages of the pandemic. As of June 5, stores will open an hour earlier each day at 6 a.m., excluding Tuesday mornings, which will continue to observe senior hours for those most vulnerable to COVID-19. The retailer shared this information exclusively with USA TODAY.
Starting July 3, most pharmacies and vision centers will return to their pre-COVID operating hours.
This adjustment in hours follows Walmart’s decision to lift mask requirements for fully vaccinated customers and employees, aligning with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, masks remain mandatory in stores where local or state mask mandates are in place.
Dacona Smith, Walmart U.S.’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, stated on Tuesday, “With the number of fully vaccinated Americans growing higher every day, we believe we can adjust hours once again.”
This marks the third time Walmart has extended its operating hours after two reductions in March 2020. For five months, most stores operated from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., a significant change from their pre-pandemic 24-hour service.
In August, stores extended their hours by 90 minutes, closing at 10 p.m. local time. Subsequently, during the holiday shopping season in November, closing hours were further extended to 11 p.m.
Smith highlighted recent adjustments made by Walmart, including updates to the mask policy, removal of the 20% store-mandated capacity restriction, adherence to local or state capacity limits, and reintroduction of seating in Auto Care Center waiting areas.
Moreover, in areas where mask requirements have been lifted, Walmart stores can now redeploy their health ambassadors to different roles within the store. Initially introduced in July to enforce mask wearing, these ambassadors will now assume other responsibilities following the change in mask policy.
Walmart cleaning measures continue
Smith mentioned that stores will uphold their heightened cleaning and sanitizing protocols, including the retention of sneeze guards at all registers and social distancing markers on floors. Employees will persist in sanitizing shopping carts regularly.
Both Walmart and Sam’s Club employees, who began wearing masks in April 2020—four months ahead of customers—have been allowed to work without masks since May 18, provided they are fully vaccinated and operate in regions without state or local mask mandates.
Regular health checks for employees and suppliers continue before each shift. Walmart is offering a $75 COVID-19 vaccine bonus to its U.S. employees, encompassing both store and supply chain associates.
The COVID-19 emergency leave policy for Walmart employees has been extended through September 30, according to Smith’s statement.
Smith affirmed Walmart’s ongoing commitment to vigilance and readiness to adapt, ensuring the utmost safety for customers, associates, and communities.
Walmart store hours expanding
Smith mentioned that starting this Saturday, the majority of stores will operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., unless state or local government mandates indicate otherwise.
From July 3 onwards, most pharmacies will revert to their pre-COVID-19 hours: Monday through Friday, operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, most vision centers will be open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and during the weekend.
For the most current operating hours of your local Walmart, utilize the store finder feature on the website or through the app.
Walmart senior hour staying for now
Walmart introduced a special shopping hour for seniors aged 60 and above, as well as those most susceptible to COVID-19, in March 2020 when the store adjusted its regular hours. This dedicated hour takes place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 a.m. and operates on the honor system.
