Home Depot temporarily adjusts store hours, extends paid-off time in response to COVID-19

It’s not only grocers and Amazon that are selling high-demand items during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Home Depot said its stores will now close daily at 6 p.m. (opening hours will remain unchanged) to give stores the ability to staff appropriately and provide additional time to perform cleaning and restock shelves to keep up with demand.

“As many items across our store are in high demand, the company's merchants and supply chain teams are prioritizing replenishment and restocking as quickly as possible,” the retailer stated. 

 The home improvement giant noted that homeowners and businesses alike depend on it 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 company is also expanding its paid time off policy in response to COVID-19. Starting this week, all hourly full-time associates will receive an additional 80 hours of paid sick or personal time, and part-time hourly associates will receive an additional 40 hours of paid sick or personal time. The hours can be taken anytime from now until the end of the year.

In addition, associates who are 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.

"Our customers rely on us for urgent repairs, products, and materials, and we've always been committed to serving them during times of crisis and natural disaster," said Craig Menear chairman, CEO and president, Home Depot. "I want to thank our associates and suppliers for their dedication and hard work to ensure we're there for our communities during this challenging time."