Coronavirus: Target Changes Hours, Reserves Time For Vulnerable

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corporation announced several changes to store hours Tuesday as it continues operations during the spread of the coronavirus. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, all Target locations will close by 9 p.m. local time daily, which will provide the team additional time for cleaning and restocking each day.

In addition, the Minneapolis-based retailer announced that it will introduce a dedicated shopping hour every Wednesday morning for vulnerable customers.

"Families are counting on Target for critical supplies during this challenging time, and we’ll continue to do all that we can to keep our stores open," said Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO of Target, in a statement.

"As our team continues to adapt to the country’s fast-changing needs, we’re announcing plans to reduce our store hours and offer dedicated shopping hours for vulnerable guests. We’ll also maintain limits on select products and would ask guests to purchase only what they need so there’s enough supply to accommodate this increased demand."

Modified Store Hours and Shopping Hours for Vulnerable Customers

Beginning March 18, all Target stores will continue to open at their regularly scheduled times and close no later than 9 p.m. local time daily. Any stores that regularly close earlier than 9 p.m. will continue to close at their normal time.

The modified hours will allow even more time for teams to clean and restock store shelves, according to a news release.

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Updated store hours can be found on the Target website and are posted in stores. Also starting March 18, Target will reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable customers – including elderly and those with underlying health concerns.

The retailer is encouraging other customers to plan their shopping trips around this timeframe.

Ongoing Support

Target says it's also

• Adding payroll hours to support more rigorous cleaning routines, including ensuring customer-facing surfaces like checklanes and touchscreens are cleaned at least every 30 minutes.
• Leveraging its supply chain to prioritize and fast-track the flow of products that are in highest demand across key categories, including cleaning products, paper products, food, over-the-counter medicine and baby products.
• Making back-up care available for all U.S. team members by waiving eligibility requirements, copays and other program details to ensure team members with caregiving needs can take care of their families during this time.
• Waiving the company’s absenteeism policy and covering up to 14 days of quarantine and illness pay for team members with a confirmed case of COVID-19, as well as continuing to offer standing benefits like Paid Family Leave and free counseling services.
• Closing all Target Cafés, Pizza Huts, Snack Bars, Beverage Bars, Starbucks seating areas and condiment stations in stores.

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