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Updated: These national chains are requiring masks
Starbucks
Starbucks' mask mandate went into effect July 15. "In its continued effort in prioritizing the health and well-being of partners (employees) and customers, Starbucks today announced that beginning on July 15, it will be requiring customers to wear facial coverings while visiting all company-owned café locations in the US," a company statement read July 9. Click here for more information.
Walmart
Walmart will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its namesake stores, making it the largest retailer to introduce such a policy that has otherwise proven difficult to enforce without state and federal requirements. Walmart's mask mandate was scheduled to begin July 20. Click here for more information.
Sam’s Club
Walmart announced that its Sam's Club stores will require masks in addition to its namesake stores, effective July 20. Click here for more information.
Costco
Costco Wholesale Club was one of the first major retailers to require face coverings for customers at all of its stores. The policy went into effect in early May. Click here for more information.
Best Buy
Best Buy, the nation's largest consumer electronics chain, will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its stores nationwide, even in states or localities that don't require them to do so. Best Buy's mask mandate went into effect July 15.
Kohl's
"As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, face covering mandates have grown to apply to approximately 70% of our store base, therefore we’ve made the decision to take a consistent approach across our entire store fleet," Kohl's said in its statement. Kohl's mask mandate was scheduled to begin July 20. Click here for more information.
Apple
“Face coverings will be required for all of our teams and customers, and we will provide them to customers who don't bring their own,” Apple said in a statement. The mask mandate went into effect in May. Click here for more information.
Kroger
In a statement, Kroger writes, "With the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask, joining our associates who continue to wear masks." Click here for more information.
Dollar Tree
“In accordance with guidelines from the CDC, we are requiring all associates, customers and vendors to wear cloth face coverings when inside our stores,” a Dollar Tree statement read July 8. Click here for more information.
Target
Target has joined a list of the nation's largest retailers that will require customers to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 spike. The policy will go into effect Aug. 1. More than 80% of Target's 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target said that it will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them. Click here for more information.
CVS
CVS released the following statement July 16: "With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections, we're joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings when entering any of our stores throughout the country effective Monday, July 20. To be clear, we're not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer. What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering." Click here for more information.
Publix Super Markets
Publix Super Markets Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida, said that its rule will kick in on July 21 at all 1,200 stores. Click here for more information.
PetSmart
PetSmart announced that all customers are required to wear masks at its stores. Click here to for more information.
Walgreens
Walgreens' mask requirement starts July 20. Click here for more information.
Aldi
"The health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities we serve will always be our highest priority. With that focus in mind, effective July 27, face coverings will be required to enter ALDI stores." Click here for more information.
Marriott
Marriott hotels will require guests to wear masks in lobbies and other public spaces starting July 27.
Verizon
Verizon announced its mask requirement at all of its Verizon stores on May 18. Click here for more information.
Trader Joe's
"We require customers wear a face covering while shopping in our stores. This does not apply to young children and those with medical conditions who are not able to wear face coverings," Trader Joe's announced June 20. Click here for more information.
Panera Bread
"Beginning Wednesday, July 15, Panera guest are asked to wear a mask inside our bakery-cafes nationwide." Click here for more information.
Gap Inc. (Old Navy, Banana Republic)
"Given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the US and Canada, we want to do everything we can to help stop the spread of the virus. That’s why we are adjusting our current policy and requiring all customers to wear masks in all of our North America Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta, Intermix and Janie and Jack stores, effective August 1." Click here for more information.
Bed Bath & Beyond
"As of July 24, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering, in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control." Click here for more information.
Lowe's
Lowe’s announced it will require customers to wear face coverings when shopping in its stores beginning July 20. Lowe’s will offer masks at the customer service desk for those who need them. They will be available while supplies last.
Home Depot
Home Deport will require customers to wear masks or facial coverings while inside stores beginning July 22. Small children or those who have a valid medical condition will not be required to wear a mask. Click here for more information.
