Home Depot and Lowe’s, the two largest home-improvement retailers in the United States, have announced masks or facial coverings will be mandatory for shoppers in U.S. stores moving forward. The policy at Lowe’s is effective July 20 while Home Depot will begin requiring masks on July 22. Numerous other retailers across other industries have made similar moves requiring masks nationwide in the past week.
Home Depot said that small children and those who have a valid medical condition will not be required to wear a mask. The Atlanta-based retailer said 85% of its U.S. stores already required facial masks in compliance with local and state regulations, and all of its associates and employees have been required to wear masks. Shoppers will be reminded of new requirements by signage and by audio announcements on store PA systems. Home Depot’s social distancing captains and store associates will be available to provide masks to shoppers who may not have one.
“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,” Ann-Marie Campbell, executive vice president of stores for The Home Depot, said in a news release.
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Lowe’s said it will offer free masks at customer service desks in every store for customers who need masks, while supplies last. All Lowe’s stores will have signage about wearing face coverings moving forward and employees have been required to wear masks since May.
“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,” Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO, said in a prepared statement.
Since the early days of the pandemic, both retailers have taken steps to ensure the safety of its customers and associates. Both retailers have limited the number of customers in stores to comply with social and physical distancing, placed distancing markers at counters, distributed thermometers to associates and distribution center workers, appointed social distancing captains, and cleaned and sanitized stores more frequently.
