Should you wear a mask? These 7 retailers have changed their mask mandates—here's what to know

Starbucks, Target, Walgreens, and more retailers are making masks optional for certain individuals

Customers queue to enter Starbucks Coffee Shop.
(Image credit: Michael McNerney/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

For fully vaccinated people (which you're considered two weeks after your final dose), the Center for Disease Control now states that you don't have to wear a mask in certain indoor and outdoor settings.

Restrictions are beginning to ease in various places in the U.S., but the recent changes in mask mandates have caused confusion among people who are still unsure where it's safe to unmask. If you're vaccinated and outdoors, then in most cases, it's okay for you to unmask, but now some retailers (not all) have also changed their mask mandates.

As long as there is no mask mandate by state officials or local government, then are some retailers that will allow vaccinated folks to shop without a mask on.


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While there are those who may be comfortable taking off their mask, some people still feel nervous about the sudden changes. So, the next time you go shopping, keep these updated mask policies in mind before entering these seven stores.

1. Walgreens

Pedestrians wearing protective masks walk past a Walgreens store in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

(Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Unless otherwise noted by state or local officials, "Walgreens will no longer require fully vaccinated customers to wear face coverings inside of our stores," the official statement said. Walgreens employees will still need to wear face coverings while they are working through.

Full guidelines

2. The Home Depot

Shoppers enter a Home Depot store in Pleasanton, California, U.S., on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. Home Depot Inc. is expected to release earnings figures on February 23.

(Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The store's new mask policy (unless said otherwise by state officials) states "customers and associates who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks or facial coverings in Home Depot stores." Those unvaccinated are still required to wear masks indoors though.

Full guidelines 

3. Walmart

People wearing protective masks walk from a Walmart store on May 18, 2021 in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Walmart and its sister store, Sam's Club, have changed its store policy and "based on the latest CDC guidance, fully vaccinated associates will not need to wear a mask at work." Fully vaccinated customers will also not be required to wear a mask in stores. 

Full guidelines

4. Trader Joe's

People stand in line outside Trader Joe's in Kips Bay amid the coronavirus pandemic on March 19, 2021 in New York City.

(Image credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images)

While Trader Joe's employees will still be required to wear masks, those who are fully vaccinated will be able to enter stores without a mask and will not need to show proof of vaccination at the door.

5. Target

Pedestrians wearing protective masks pass in front of a Target Corp. store in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Monday, Mar. 1, 2021.

(Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Unless local government says otherwise, "Target will no longer require fully vaccinated guests and team members to wear face coverings in [its] stores.

Full guidelines

6. Starbucks

Customers with their own cups line up for free coffee at a Starbucks store on the 52nd Earth Day on April 22, 2021 in Shanghai, China.

(Image credit: Wang Gang/VCG via Getty Images)

Masks have officially been made optional for customers if you're fully vaccinated (except if local government has specified otherwise). For increased safety, though, "restrooms generally remain temporarily closed to the public in stores where the café or café seating is unavailable."

Full-guidelines

7. Costco

A person wearing a protective mask exits a Costco store in Richmond, California, U.S., on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

(Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

For states without mask mandates, the company now allows "members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield." The only exception is for visitors in close contact at health care centers like the Pharmacy, Optical, and Hearing Aid sections of the stores.

Full guidelines

Rylee Johnston

Rylee is a U.S. news writer who previously worked for woman&home and My Imperfect Life covering lifestyle, celebrity, and fashion news. Before joining woman&home and My Imperfect Life, Rylee studied journalism at Hofstra University where she explored her interests in world politics and magazine writing. From there, she dabbled in freelance writing covering fashion and beauty e-commerce for outlets such as the TODAY show, American Spa Magazine, First for Women, and Woman’s World.