Dollar Tree, Family Dollar now requiring masks in policy reversal

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, in a policy reversal, are now requiring customers to wear masks inside stores.

Dollar Tree, Inc., which owns both chains, is again mandating masks in its stores after it initially had required them in early July. Last month, the company reversed course to “request” customers wear face coverings in states and local areas that do not require mask wearing. 

But the firm’s coronavirus updates page now labels Dollar Tree, Inc.’s mask policy as mandatory, USA Today first reported Sunday. 

“To best help protect one another, and in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are requiring all Associates, customers and vendors to wear face coverings when inside our stores,” the coronavirus update reads.

The statement adds that it will give face coverings to its associates. 

USA Today noted it is unknown when the policy was changed back to its original form, which aligns to most of the major retailers in the U.S.

Dollar Tree, Inc. reported in May that it runs 15,370 stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Other companies have backtracked on their mask policies, including Southeastern Grocers, which owns the Winn-Dixie supermarket, who at first said masks would not be required in stores last month. But the company also reversed its decision days later. 

AMC also adjusted its policy in June to mandate masks after backlash for encouraging but not requiring mask wearing. The theater chain has since pushed back its reopening dates to mid-to-late August.