In response to the Coronavirus, The Home Depot (THD) adjusted store hours nationwide with a new temporary 6PM daily closing time. The company is making the change immediately—effective Thursday, March 19. Opening hours will remain the same. If you need supplies, you may want to consider going on your lunch break instead of heading over after the end of the workday.
The adjusted store hours are designed to better serve customers and communities in response to COVID-19.
From The Home Depot: As an essential retailer to the communities we serve, we’re committed to keeping stores open just as we always do during times of crisis and natural disaster. Homeowners and businesses depend on us for urgent needs such as hot water heaters, refrigerators, cleaning supplies, electrical and plumbing repairs, and harsh weather items like tarps, propane and batteries.
The Home Depot says the new hours will help stores staff appropriately and provide additional time to restock shelves and perform (additional) cleaning. Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), THD plans to increase the frequency of cleaning and general hygiene maintenance in their stores. They’re also making adjustments to disinfect high-traffic and high-touch areas like self-checkout, door handles, and bathrooms, as well as posting signage about handwashing and other preventative actions.
Regarding The Home Depot Associates
The Home Depot also has a plan for expanding paid time off for hourly associates. In particular, they are giving all hourly full-time associates an additional 80 hours of PTO. Part-time hourly associates will receive an additional 40 hours. These hours can be taken anytime from now until the end of the year.
We were also glad to see that any Home Depot associates diagnosed with COVID-19 or advised by health or government officials to self-quarantine due to direct COVID-19 exposure will continue to be paid during that time. The Home Depot is also encouraging associates who are sick to stay home.
The Home Depot provides a number of benefits to support our associates during this time, including backup dependent care, teledoc services, and emotional wellbeing/care solutions. We’ve also updated our travel policies for associates, following the U.S. Department of State and CDC’s guidance on international and domestic travel.
How THD Plans to Handle Inventory
THD is working hard with merchants and supply chain teams to prioritize and replenish inventory and stock as quickly as possible. While this points to building supplies, it also includes items like face masks, hand sanitizers, and other cleaning supplies—both in-store and online. The Home Depot has also implemented a purchase limit of 10 face masks per person.
Deliveries & In-Home Service
Any customers with a scheduled installation or other in-home services can postpone to a later date. THD has advised all delivery and Home Services associates to follow everyday preventive actions including washing hands often, disinfecting frequently touched objects, and use of hand sanitizer.
Any questions about deliveries or online orders can be directed to their Help and Customer Service Center.
Get the latest info from The Home Depot regarding their changes in light of the COVID-19 situation.
