Coronavirus shopping sprees lead to shorter hours at Walmart stores

Walmart stores in Bradenton and elsewhere have shortened their opening hours so that employees can more quickly restock shelves that in some instances have been left bare by shoppers responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced.

Dacona Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S.

“To better support our associates and serve our customers, we will adjust our operating hours beginning Sunday, March 15,” said Dacona Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S. , in a news release posted on the company’s website. “Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing. Stores currently operating under more reduced hours (for example they regularly close at 10 p.m. or open at 7 a.m.) will keep their current hours of operation.

Many Walmart stores, including those in Bradenton, are usually open 24 hours a day.

Walmart joins other retailers, including Publix, in adjusting their hours to give employees more time to restock shelves and sanitize stores. There have been numerous reports of shortages of items like hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper.