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The Agency of Commerce and Community Development directed large “big box” retailers, such as Walmart, Target and Costco, to cease in-person sales of non-essential items in order to reduce the number of people coming into the stores. Big box stores generate shopping traffic due to their size and the variety of their merchandise, and this puts people at risk, said Agency Secretary Lindsay Kurrle.



“This volume of shopping traffic significantly increases the risk of further spread of this dangerous virus to Vermonters and the viability of Vermont’s health care system,” Kurrle said. “We are directing these stores to put public health first and help us reduce the number of shoppers by requiring online ordering, delivery and curbside pickup whenever possible, and by stopping the sale of non-essential items.”



Gov. Phil Scott’s recent executive order allows only essential businesses to continue in-person sales, including hardware stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, fuel products and supplies or agricultural equipment. Now, box stores must cease the in-person sale of items not listed in the executive order including arts and crafts, beauty, carpet and flooring, clothing, consumer electronics, entertainment, furniture and sports equipment. These items may still be purchased by phone with curbside pickup or online.



Retailers are also ordered to restrict access by closing aisles and parts of the store when possible, and the showrooms and garden sections of large home improvement centers are ordered to be closed.



— Sarah Asch



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