Walmart increases store hours after cutting them in March amid COVID-19; weekly senior hour continues

After five months of operating with reduced hours amid the coronavirus pandemic, Walmart will increase hours by 90 minutes at 85% of stores across the nation.

Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, reduced hours March 15 ,and then cut them again that same week to 8:30 p.m.

“As we continue reopening our operations, the health and safety of our associates, customers and communities will guide our decisions,” Walmart said in a statement to USA TODAY on Friday. “By August 17, more than 4,000 of our 4,700 Walmart stores will expand their closing time from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., providing customers with more options to shop for the food, medicine and supplies they need.”

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Walmart officials told USA TODAY in May that its special shopping hour for seniors and those most vulnerable has been extended until further notice. Friday’s announcement also said the special hour will continue.

“We’ll continue assessing our remaining stores to determine the right time to expand their closing hours,” Walmart said. “With this change, we will continue the health and safety measures currently in place, such as social distancing, health screenings, plastic barriers at the registers and masks.”

To find your local Walmart’s most up to date hours, use the store finder on the website or on the app.

Costco and Walgreens returned to regular hours in May, but most retailers have not returned to pre-COVID schedules or announced plans to do so.

Target increased its store hours in June, with most locations now closing at 10 p.m.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Walmart hours increase: Most stores will close at 10 p.m.