KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Shoppers might have noticed a few differences in stores this weekend.
Two major retailers, Target and Walmart, announced changes to their policies to limit the amount of people coming inside the store in order to create a safer environment for both their customers and employees.
At Walmart, one entrance is closed, funneling customers through one area to walk in. The company said roughly 20 percent of the store’s capacity will be allowed inside, then it’s one in, one out. They also are instituting a one-way movement through aisles using floor markers and direction from associates.They expect this to help customers avoid coming into close contact with each other as they shop.
Target employees also are watching how many people enter the store, and markers have been placed on the floor promoting social distancing as customers check out.
And shoppers like Wendy Mallotte are noticing the changes.
"It does appear that people are maintaining a proper distance and trying to make attempts to do so,” Mallotte said.
Another shopper agreed.
"As soon as you go in they’re wiping down the carts, right there waiting for you to go,” Eric Massey said.
Many shoppers like the new changes.
"I think it’s a good idea that they limit people in the store,” Jennie Judge said, “and I also think they shouldn’t be bringing children in the store.”
Another patron, Jacquelyne Fletcher, said that if someone is coming down the aisle, she goes the opposite direction.
While this can be inconvenient, shoppers, according to Massey, are united to stop the spread.
"We’re all in this together,” Massey said. “So if we start to abide by them sooner than later, maybe we can be out of this sooner than later.”
For those who need to return an item, some stores are delaying the deadlines. Target, for example, is offering mail-in only returns.
