Target to Trim Operating Hours

Target, the nation’s second-largest discount chain, plans to reduce operating hours beginning Wednesday.

Target will close all stores by 9 p.m. daily. Most stores usually close at or 11 p.m. with some in New York City open until 12. This will help the company replenish shelves and deep clean stores.  It builds on earlier-announced initiatives including enhanced cleaning and more staffing for in-demand services that support social distancing, like Order Pickup and Drive Up.

The chain also said it will reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday to the elderly and those with underlying health concerns.

“Families are counting on Target for critical supplies during this challenging time, and we’ll continue to do all that we can to keep our stores open. For weeks, we’ve been responding to the impact of the coronavirus by taking care of our team, rigorously cleaning our stores and helping our guests find the food, medicine and other essentials they need for themselves and their families,” said Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO of Target. “As our team continues to adapt to the country’s fast-changing needs, we’re announcing plans to reduce our store hours and offer dedicated shopping hours for vulnerable guests. We’ll also maintain limits on select products and would ask guests to purchase only what they need so there’s enough supply to accommodate this increased demand.”

In addition to these changes, Target is fast-tracking the flow of products that are in highest demand, including food, medicine and other essentials. The chain will continue to limit the purchase of in-demand items and asks all guests to consider their immediate needs and purchase accordingly so more families can find the products they need.

Target is also temporarily closing all Target Cafés, Pizza Huts, Snack Bars, Beverage Bars, Starbucks seating areas and condiment stations in stores.