Vermont bans in-person sales of non-essential items

Montpelier, Vt. – Big box stores in Vermont have been directed by the state government to cease in-store sales of home goods and other general merchandise not deemed essential.

Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) cited Walmart, Target and Costco as the types of stores that should restrict on-site sales to merchandise such as food, beverages, animal feed and pharmacy. The action was taken to reduce the number of people coming into stores in order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“We are directing these stores to put public health first and help us reduce the number of shoppers by requiring on-line ordering, delivery and curbside pickup whenever possible, and by stopping the sale of non-essential items,” said ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle.

The state is directing large, multi-category retailers to cease in-person sales of arts and crafts, beauty, carpeting, flooring, clothing, consumer electronics, entertainment (books, music, movies), furniture, home & garden merchandise, jewelry, paint, photo services, sports equipment and toys.

In addition, big box retailers are being ordered to restrict access to non-essential goods by closing aisles or portions of the store, or removing items from the floor.

However, stores are allowed to offer curbside pickup.