Aldi and Walmart are closing some stores earlier to stock items and sanitize its stores.
The grocery store chains’ announcement comes hours after Harris Teeter decided to close its stores at 9 p.m. starting on Sunday.
Aldi
Some Aldi stores will temporarily close or have limited hours and the chain cannot provide information about specific store locations at this time.
“Our teams are working diligently to keep our shelves stocked and we are continuing to react to the Covid-19 situation,” Jason Hart, CEO of ALDI U.S., said in a news release. “In the midst of increased demand and challenging supply, we are focused on the products you are likely to want most: water, pantry staples, pre-made meals, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and more.”
Hart noted some items will have a quantity limit and other products may be temporarily unavailable.
In addition to increased sanitation practices on “common touch points” in the store as well as offices and the chain’s warehouse, Hart said the chain has changed its sick leave policy for its employees.
Walmart
Walmart is also changing its stores hours starting Sunday.
All Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice.
“This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing,” Dacona Smith, executive vice president and CEO of Walmart U.S., said in a news release. “Stores currently operating under more reduced hours, for example they regularly close at 10 p.m. or open at 7 a.m., will keep their current hours of operation.”
Smith said associates will continue to work their scheduled shifts, adding the chain has a temporary COVID-19 emergency leave policy for its employees.
“To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time,” Smith said. “I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.”
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has also decided to adjust the hours of all of their stores, Kenya Friend-Daniel, spokeswoman for the grocery store chain wrote in an email on Sunday.
“Beginning Monday, March 16th and until further notice, all Trader Joe’s stores will be open from 9:00am until 7:00pm to support our Crew Members in taking care of one another and our customers,” she wrote.
