SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. announced Monday that customers will be required to wear masks in all of its U.S. stores, including subsidiary chains, beginning Aug. 1.
“We’re committed to evolving our health and safety practices and keeping our teams, customers and communities at the core of every decision we make,” Gap Inc. wrote in an online statement. “Given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and Canada, we want to do everything we can to help stop the spread of the virus.”
In addition to its flagship Gap stores, the company also operates Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, Intermix and Janie and Jack locations, The Hill reported.
Employees have already been required to wear masks since stores started reopening.
The San Francisco-based apparel conglomerate joins a growing list of retailers across the country requiring coronavirus-conscious safety measures as the number of COVID-19 infections continue to surge. The Gap mandate echoes those adopted to date by the Apple Store, Best Buy, CVS, Costco, Kohl’s, Kroger, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, Target and Walmart, among others.
Small children and “those who are exempt due to an underlying medical condition” will not be required to wear masks, the company stated.
“We will be offering disposable masks to customers who need them and ask that our customers join us in helping to protect our communities and create an enjoyable and safe shopping experience for all. Alternatively, customers are welcome to shop our brands online or via our Curbside Pickup service where available,” the news release stated.
Meanwhile. Dollar Tree and Family Dollar reversed course recently after initially mandating mask compliance in their stores. The retailers now “request” shoppers wear masks and will only require them “where required by state or local ordinance,” USA Today reported.
Cox Media Group
