H-E-B, Walmart, Trader Joe’s stores closing early to restock shelves, no need to panic, officials say

SAN ANTONIO – H-E-B, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart stores are adjusting hours at all stores in response to the massive amount of customers who have been clearing shelves in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

All H-E-B stores will begin closing at 8 p.m. and opening at 8 a.m. beginning Sunday, March 15, according to the H-E-B website.

Walmart stores will adjust its hours, beginning Sunday, March 15. Stores will open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice, according to a news release on Walmart’s website. Walmart stores that already have reduced hours will continue to keep those hours and employees are expected to work their regular schedules, Walmart officials say.

Beginning Monday, March 16, Trader Joe’s stores will modify its hours and will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice, according to an announcement on its website.

The revised hours will allow for more items to be restocked and will help support its crew members, the company says.

HEB says don’t panic, limits some purchases, restocking daily

The new H-E-B hours will also go into effect for Central Market, H-E-B Pharmacies, Joe V’s and Mi Tienda locations. H-E-B plans to “return to our regular hours and full services as soon as we can,” the news release states.

“While we restock our shelves around the clock, much of our restocking and replenishment happens overnight when our stores are closed. This temporary change in store hours will give our Partners extra time to work diligently overnight to better stock our shelves, allowing us to better serve our customers,” according to a news release from H-E-B.

The San Antonio-based grocery chain is urging shoppers not to panic because they are prepared and panic-buying worsens the situation for everyone.

“H-E-B has been preparing for coronavirus for several months and we are in a strong position to keep replenishing our shelves. Customers should not panic, we have the ability to restock shelves and encourage our customers to remain calm,” H-E-B director of public affairs Mabrie Jackson tweeted Friday.

Stop buying all the toilet paper. There’s no shortage if everyone only takes what they need.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday, as he declared a statewide emergency: “There is absolutely no need to go out and stockpile supplies. This isn’t the type of situation like where we see with an oncoming hurricane.”

On Saturday, he waived some regulations to allow grocers to expedite delivery, according to his office.

Shoppers have been clearing shelves and long lines at stores have become commonplace, causing H-E-B to put purchase limits on certain items.

Customers will currently be limited on purchases of the following items:

• Disinfecting & Antibacterial sprays/wipes – 4 units per transaction (including Baby)
• Liquid Bleach – 2 units per transaction
• Toilet Paper – 2 units per transaction
• Hand sanitizer – 4 units per transaction (including Baby)
• Hand soap – 4 units per transaction
• Water (including Baby) – 4 multipacks and 4 gallons per transaction, for a total of 8 items
• Hydrogen Peroxide – 4 units per transaction
• Rubbing (Isopropyl) Alcohol/wipes – 4 units per transaction
• Latex Gloves – 4 units per transaction
• Face Masks – 2 units per transaction

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