Retail giant Walmart announced today (July 15) that it will require shoppers to wear masks in its stores and in Sam’s Club stores beginning Monday (July 20).
“Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings,” the company announced on its website. “To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20. This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage and train associates on the new protocols.”
Associates at Sam’s Clubs locations, where customers pay a paid membership to shop, will hand out free masks to customers who do not have one when entering the store.
The announcement said that in addition to posting signs at the front of stores, Walmart will have “health ambassadors” stationed near the entrancea to remind those without a mask about the new requirements.
The ambassadors will receive special training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers. The ambassadors, identifiable by black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at stores without face coverings to find a solution, according to the company’s website.
“We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering,” the announcement said. “Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone.”
