Walmart to open stores earlier as more people get COVID-19 vaccinations

(WISH) — Walmart will open its stores earlier as more people get coronavirus vaccinations, a company executive said in an announcement Tuesday.

Unless directed otherwise by local health officials, Walmart starting Saturday will expand store hours to be from 6 a.m.-11 p.m., said Dacona Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S.

Walmart and others businesses restricted their hours beginning in March 2020 for the coronavirus pandemic. Late in 2020, the company had changed closing times to 11 p.m. unless directed otherwise by local health officials.

Hours for vision centers and pharmacies will resume normal hours starting July 3.

There was no word on when or if stores formerly opened 24 hours might return to that status.

Walmart is among many retailers that have lifted mask mandates unless directed otherwise by local health officials.