Consumer Behavior

Consumers without masks can still shop at Walmart

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July 28, 2020

Despite a mandate that consumers wear facial masks in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic Walmart isn't enforcing the requirement within its stores.

Customers without facial masks will still be served, according to a Business Insider report.

The retailer announced the mask requirement on July 20 but, in an effort to avoid any potential physical confrontations, will not turn away shoppers browsing or buying.

The news comes among increasing reports of consumer-related violence in retail stores over the mask policy which has been adopted by more than two dozen top U.S. retailers, including Home Deport, CVS and Lowe's.

"We know there may be situations that may not make it possible for everyone to wear a face covering," Walmart spokeswoman Delia Garcia told Business Insider. In those situations, she said, "we will allow them to shop in our stores and clubs."

"Our goal is to keep associates from a physical confrontation situation, and our ambassadors will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper," she said.