"Get Ready for an Early Start on Saturday: Walmart's Extended Hours with Senior Access Uninterrupted"

Experiencing its first expansion since November, Walmart has announced an increase in store hours after severely cutting them in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. As of June 5, stores will open at 6 a.m. each day except for Tuesday mornings, when Walmart will maintain its weekly senior hour for those vulnerable to COVID-19. According to USA TODAY, most of Walmart's pharmacies and vision centres will resume their pre-COVID hours as of July 3. This announcement is a result of an increase in fully vaccinated Americans, leading to Walmart altering its hours to cater to more customers. The retailer’s increased hours follow its recent announcement of dropping mask requirements for fully vaccinated customers and employees; however, masks are still required where local and state mandates are in place. Walmart has increased hours twice before in March 2020, and then again in August, with stores remaining open till 11 p.m. by November. The increased hours are following adjusted local or state capacity restrictions and the lifting of Walmart’s 20% capacity limit. The Auto Care Center’s waiting areas will also have seating added back to them.

Target to Reopen Fitting Rooms: After being closed for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Target has announced that it will be reopening its fitting rooms. This move comes as mask mandates are lifted in certain areas, allowing stores to also reassign their health ambassadors to other roles within the store. Walmart initiated a similar role in July of 2020, requiring customers to wear masks and reminding those without masks of the new requirements.

Walmart Cleaning Measures Continue

While employees at Walmart and Sam's Club have been required to wear masks since April 2020, they were able to work without a mask as of May 18 when fully vaccinated and in areas without state and local mandates. Health checks for employees and suppliers also continue before each shift. Walmart is giving a bonus to U.S. employees who get vaccinated against COVID-19, including associates working in stores and supply chains. Walmart will also extend its COVID-19 emergency leave policy for employees through September 30.

Walmart Store Hours Expanding

Starting on Saturday, most Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., unless otherwise mandated by state or local government. Beginning July 3, most pharmacies will return to pre-COVID-19 hours and be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Most vision centers will also be open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends. To find your local Walmart's most up-to-date hours, use the store finder on the website or app.

Walmart Senior Hour Staying For Now

Walmart's dedicated shopping hour for seniors and those most vulnerable to COVID-19 will continue for now. This weekly hour, reserved for customers 60 and older, began in March 2020 when Walmart reduced its regular hours. The senior shopping hour takes place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 a.m. and uses the honor system. As always, Walmart will remain vigilant and ready to adjust as needed to ensure safety for all customers, associates, and communities.

Prepare to welcome a novel line of household goods soon! The collaboration of Walmart and Gap will unveil Gap Home on June 24. Expect an extensive array of products ranging from home decor to bedding and bath items. Stay updated on this exciting development by following Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY reporter, on Twitter. For more shopping ideas and exclusive deals, join our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group. If you want to view more information about this release, click on the link to open the form in a new tab.