Walmart Plans to Resume Counting Customers as COVID-19 Cases Climb
Prepare for a wait at Walmart when you start your holiday shopping this weekend. The retailer announced it plans to resume counting customers as confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus are on the rise.
Walmart had previously limited its stores to 20% of their normal capacity in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus. According to CNBC, Walmart will start counting customers again Saturday, November 21st.
I shopped at Walmart a few times back in April when the previous restrictions were in place. The store typically has both entrances open; however, the entrance by the grocery section was the only one open when staff members were out counting customers. There were stanchions out to ensure that customers went into the store in a single-file, socially-distanced line.
I didn't have to wait too long to enter the store, as new customers were allowed in as others left the store. It wasn't too much of an inconvenience.
Stores like HomeGoods, Publix, and Target also had a similar system in place. Again, waiting (especially in the heat this summer) sucked, but it was a small sacrifice to pay.
I wonder if any other retailers will self-impose restrictions to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus. Governor Kay Ivey's current "Safer at Home" order doesn't place a limitation on store capacity, so owners would have to make this decision for themselves.
What do you think? Is Walmart making the right move? Hit me up using our app chat and let me know what you think.
Flatten the Curve