Home Depot and Lowe's, the two largest home-improvement retailers in the United States, have issued statements on how they are responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
At Home Depot, the company said safety and health of associates and customers are of "paramount concern." The retailer established a task force several weeks ago to plan for impacts of COVID-19 on business.
Home Depot stressed its stores and facilities are cleaned and sanitized daily and the company is increasing the frequency of cleaning and general hygiene maintenance at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The company is giving special attention to high-traffic areas and high-touch areas, including self-checkout sections, door handles, and bathrooms.
Home Depot said its merchandising and supply-chain teams are working to replenish items in the stores, particularly high-demand sanitation products. While installation, deliveries, and other in-home services are still running as scheduled, the retailer said postponing and rescheduling are options for customers. Additionally, delivery and Home Services associates are required to follow stringent preventive actions including hand washing, disinfecting frequently touched items, and carrying hand sanitizer.
At Lowe's, many of the same practices are in place, according to a letter to customers from CEO and president Marvin Ellison. Ellison said Lowe's has also established a task force that is working closely with the CDC to ensure all necessary preventative measures are being taken by the retailer.
Ellison said in addition to the company's daily cleaning efforts, Lowe's is increasing the time spent cleaning and sanitizing stores, especially in high-traffic areas such as checkout lanes and restrooms.
Lowe's is working closely with suppliers to ensure products are still available as needed for customers, according to Ellison. The retailer is diversifying the avenues in which customers can receive products, through regular store purchases, buy online and pickup in store, and quick delivery options.
Ellison said the retailer's in-home customer service is running as usual, but the company is flexible about timing of installations, deliveries, or in-home consultations.
