Home Depot joins other big retailers in requiring shoppers wear face masks

Home Depot joins numerous other big retailers in requiring customers to wear masks while inside its stores. Walmart, Sam’s Clubs, Best Buy, Starbucks, Lowe’s, CVS, Walgreen’s and Kroger have all announced mask requirements since COVID-19 cases have spiked in numerous states across the nation in the past month.

“Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing, help slow the spread of the virus,” according to the Mayo Clinic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other respected medical resources.

The Home Depot announced Friday 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% 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, in a statement.

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.