Among the stores joining the list are Kroger, CVS and Starbucks. Many offer exemptions for young children and those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, but recommend choosing options such as delivery or curbside pickup for those who do not want to wear a mask.
Customers in stores located in the counties that have been designated as a “Red Alert Level 3 Public Emergency” or above — including Montgomery County and 18 others — are required to wear a mask at all stores in accordance with the Ohio Department of Health’s order, but here’s a list of stores that require masks regardless.
Aldi
Masks will be required for Aldi customers beginning July 27. The store’s announcement said employees have been wearing face coverings for months and encouraged anyone “unable or unwilling to wear a face covering” to opt for grocery delivery at shop.aldi.us or curbside grocery pickup, where it is available.
Bed Bath and Beyond
Bed Bath and Beyond will require shoppers to wear masks beginning Friday. The mask requirement is the latest of Bed Bath and Beyond’s safety procedures, which include occupancy limits and enhanced cleaning.
Best Buy
Best Buy has required customers to wear face coverings since July 15. According to the company’s mask requirement announcement, the store will provide masks to those who do not have one. Small children and those who are unable to wear a mask for health reasons will be permitted to enter without one. The store also offers contactless curbside pickup and home delivery.
Costco
Costco has required masks for employees and customers, excluding children younger than 2 and those unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons since May 4. “We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience” CEO and President Craig Jelinek said in a letter posted to the company’s website.
CVS
Masks are required in CVS as of Monday. The store previously encouraged customers to wear masks, but COO Jon Roberts said in a statement the store is joining other retailers in requiring masks as COVID-19 cases spike. “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,” he said in the statement.
Home Depot
Home Depot shoppers will be required to wear masks beginning Wednesday,except for small children and those with “a valid medical condition.” About 85 percent of Home Depot stores already require masks in compliance with state and local regulations, according to the company’s release. Store associates and “social distancing captains” will provide masks to those who do not have one, the release says.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s shoppers are required to wear masks as of Monday. According to a Kohl’s news release, about 70 percent of its stores already require masks and “therefore we’ve made the decision to take a consistent approach across our entire store fleet.” The requirement does not apply to individuals unable to wear a mask for medical reasons.
Kroger
Kroger shoppers will be required to wear a mask starting Wednesday, the company announced in a tweet July 15.
Lowe’s
Masks are required at Lowe’s as of Monday and will be available for free at the customer service desk, while supplies last. “As a retailer offering essential goods, we have a responsibility to our associates, customers and small businesses in communities nationwide to help provide a safe shopping experience,” Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO, said in a release.
Macy’s
Masks will be required for shoppers at Macy’s beginning Wednesday and the store will provide a mask to those who do not have one. “We understand there may be some customers who are unable to wear a mask and we are committed to help find a solution that works for them. We also always offer macys.com for home delivery or through our fast and easy contactless curbside pickup,” the company’s release said.
Marc’s
Masks are required at Marc’s as of Monday.
Menards
All shoppers must wear masks while shopping at Menards. Children must wear masks unless they are seated in a cart or being carried. Masks are available for purchase at a “nominal charge” at the service desk, the store said.
OfficeMax and Office Depot
As of Monday, OfficeMax and Office Depot customers are required to wear masks at all locations.
Panera Bread
Since July 15, Panera customers have been required to wear masks while inside the Bakery-Cafe except when seated and eating or drinking. Those who do not want to wear a mask can be served through curbside pickup, delivery or the drive-thru.
PetSmart
Masks are required at PetSmart and shoppers who don’t have one should ask an associate for a mask. Curbside pickup also is available.
RiteAid
RiteAid will require masks beginning Tuesday and will provide one for free to customers who do not have one. "As the pandemic continues to embattle the country, it's critical that healthcare companies lead by example and do all we can to ensure the health and safety of our associates and customers," Jim Peters, COO of Rite Aid said in a release.
Starbucks
Masks have been required at Starbucks since July 15. Starbucks also offers curbside pickup, delivery and a drive-thru at many locations, which customers who do not wish to wear a face covering can use.
Target
Masks at all Target locations will be required beginning Aug. 1 and free disposable masks will be provided at the store’s entrance. Previously, more than 80 percent of Target stores already required masks in accordance with state and local regulations, the company’s website says. Those with underlying medical conditions and young children are exempted from the requirement.
Trader Joe’s
Face coverings are required while shopping at Trader Joe’s except for those who are unable because of medical conditions and for young children.
TJX Companies (Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods)
A message from TJX Companies President and CEO Ernie Herrman posted May 9 said, “We care deeply about the health and well-being of our valued Associates and customers, and for this reason, expect all customers who shop in our stores to wear a face covering.”
Walgreens
Customers are required to wear masks while shopping at Walgreens as of Monday. “We support the new CDC guidance that urges the use of face covers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Kevin Ban, Walgreens chief medical officer said in a press release. “As cases continue to rise in many parts of the country, it’s critical we, as businesses and members of the community, do everything we can.”
Walmart and Sam’s Club
Walmart and Sam’s Club shoppers are required to wear masks as of Monday in keeping consistency across all the company’s locations as about 65 percent of its stores currently have a mask requirement in place in accordance with state and local guidelines, according to a July 15 press release. “We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering. Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone,” the release states.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods shoppers will be required to wear a face covering as of Monday. Masks will be provided at the door for those who do not have their own.
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