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COVID-19

Coronavirus business fallout: Retailers close, Walmart limits hours

Empty shelves at Walmart in Spokane Valley are photographed on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Folks are stalking up due to the coronavirus on Saturday, March 14, 2020. (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) – A growing list of retailers are closing stores or limiting their operating hours as customers remain home in an effort to slow the spread of the virus outbreak.

Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer and private employer, said late Saturday it is limiting hours to ensure stores can keep sought-after items such as hand sanitizer in stock.

Beginning Sunday, more than 4,700 Walmart and Neighborhood Market locations in the U.S. will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 pm. until further notice. That includes locations in Airway Heights, on Colton Street near the Division wye and on Broadway Avenue in Spokane Valley.

“I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need,” Dacona Smith, chief operating officer, said in a statement.

Other retailers are following Apple and closing their stores, including Urban Outfitters, Everlane and Patagonia.

“This is a critical moment in the world,” Everlane posted on its website. “With the situation evolving very quickly, we must do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.” Everlane says it will keep its online operations open, while Patagonia is closing down both its website and stores.