Paragould Walmart reopens after ‘additional cleaning’
PARAGOULD, Ark. (KAIT) - Shoppers in Paragould can once again shop at the Walmart Supercenter in Paragould.
The store located 2802 W. Kingshighway announced Wednesday, Dec. 9, it would close at 2 p.m. for “additional cleaning and stocking,” and reopen at 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11.
Region 8 News went around the community, asking Paragould residents for their thoughts on the decision to temporarily close with Christmas drawing near.
“They could’ve warned us a little bit,” resident Alan Bailey said. We shop at Walmart here every day... This is going to hurt this little town.”
The general consensus of those we talked to is a feeling of shock, especially given this news came on short notice.
“I was blown away because Walmart is right by us,” Paragould resident Tiffany Cross said. “I have little ones and it’s easier to go to Walmart than it is to go into Hays or somewhere like that, especially right now during the shopping season.”
Region 8 News reached out to Walmart and received the following response from Charles Crowson, local communications director for the northern United States:
“Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and customers, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. When the store reopens Friday, we will continue conducting associate health screens and temperature checks, and all associates will be provided with facemasks and gloves.
“These protocols are in addition to the extensive measures we’ve put in place during the pandemic to help protect our associates and customers, including installing sneeze guards at registers, temperature checks and mandatory mask-wearing for associates, placing social distancing signage and enacting emergency leave policy for associates who are unable or uncomfortable coming to work. Additionally, through the help of our health ambassadors, we will continue requiring customers to wear protective facial coverings while inside the building.
“We will continue working closely with elected and local health officials, adjusting how we serve the community while also keeping the health and safety of our customers and associates in mind.”
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