Target stores nationwide will begin closing early on Wednesday to allow for restocking and sanitizing efforts amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“All Target stores will close by 9 p.m. local time daily, which will provide the team additional time for cleaning and restocking each day,” the retailer said on its website on Tuesday.
Target CEO Brian Cornell said that the change, which echoes similar moves by Walmart and other retailers and grocery chains, would be accompanied with limits on certain items to prevent “panic-buying” or hoarding.
“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,” said Cornell.
Target also announced that it will introduce a dedicated shopping hour every Wednesday morning for vulnerable guests and said it will add employees during the day to ensure that frequently touched surfaces are frequently cleaned.
The coronavirus outbreak has sickened thousands across the U.S. and more than 204,000 globally. Nonessential stores in states across the U.S. as well as other countries have closed as local health officials attempt to control the spread of the disease.