Major hardware and home supply retailers Lowe’s and Home Depot announced today they will also soon require customers to wear masks to shop in the building, joining a long list of other retailers such as Walmart, Publix, Kroger, CVS, Publix, Best Buy, and more. Beginning next week, both retailers will have mask policies in place.
Home Depot Press Release
“The Home Depot today announced that shoppers will be required to wear masks or facial coverings while inside all U.S. stores, beginning Wednesday, July 22. Small children or those who have a valid medical condition will not be required to wear a mask.
Currently, about 85 percent of Home Depot stores already require facial masks in compliance with local and state regulations, and all Home Depot associates are required to wear masks in stores, distribution centers and other locations.
“We appreciate all of our associates who have been working so hard to serve our customers with the essential products they need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to thank our customers for their cooperation as we work to protect everyone in our stores,” said Ann-Marie Campbell, executive vice president of stores for The Home Depot.
The Home Depot will remind customers about the new requirement by posting signs at all store entrances and via audio announcements on store PA systems. Social distancing captains and store associates will be available to provide masks to those shoppers who may not have one. For customers who prefer alternative options to shopping in stores, homedepot.com offers the convenience of curbside pickup and home delivery.
In addition to requiring masks, The Home Depot continues to promote social and physical distancing in stores through floor markings, signage, PA announcements and plexiglass shields to help customers and associates maintain safe distances.
For more information about The Home Depot’s response to Covid-19 and safety measures in stores, visit https://corporate.homedepot.com. “
Lowe’s Press Release
“Company will offer free masks, while supplies last, to help make stores safer for all
MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) today announced it is adopting a nationwide standard for all customers to wear masks or face coverings when shopping in U.S. stores effective July 20. Lowe’s will offer free masks at the customer service desk of every store for customers who need them, while supplies last.
“As a retailer offering essential goods, we have a responsibility to our associates, customers and small businesses in communities nationwide to help provide a safe shopping experience,” said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO. “Throughout this pandemic, our associates have worked tirelessly so customers could get the goods and services they needed for their homes and small businesses. For the safety of everyone in our stores, we ask that customers wear masks, and to make this new standard less restrictive, we will make masks available to those who need them.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to advise masks and face coverings are an effective tool to combat the spread of COVID-19. All Lowe’s stores will have signage at the entrances requesting that customers wear face coverings. Since the early days of the pandemic, Lowe’s has taken several operational measures to support social distancing and offer customers shopping options, including in-store pickup, curbside pickup and expanded product availability on Lowes.com, as well as a number of initiatives to encourage social distancing including overhead reminders, signage and social distance ambassadors. Lowe’s will also continue to provide hand sanitizer at store locations.
Lowe’s has required associates to wear masks since May and many Lowe’s locations operate where state and local authorities have required customers to wear masks. Encouraging mask use at stores nationwide is a further demonstration of Lowe’s longstanding commitment to promoting a safe environment for associates and customers. To learn more about our commitment, visit Lowe’s newsroom.”