Costco is bringing back its free samples — a store feature that was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.
When is Costco bringing back samples?
Per CNN, Costco said it will be “beginning a phased return to full sampling” in early June.
- About 170 Costco locations will add free samples in the first week of June. And “most of the remaining locations” will have samples by the end of June.
Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti in an investors call this week said the free samples will take safety into account, too.
- “Increased safety protocols are and will be in place, including all samples prepared behind plexiglass, prepared in smaller batches for better safety control, and distributed to members one at a time” he said, according to Fox News.
Why did Costco end free samples?
Free samples were a hallmark of the Costco shopping experience before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change in safety protocols, which led to the warehouse chain shutting down free samples.
The company said it was optimistic about the future of its company, including sales of high-margin items like jewelry, as restrictions have eased, according to Reuters.
When will there be food court seating again?
Costco also plans to add some indoor seating in 560 different locations in June, too. Outdoor seating will be made available in some food court locations, too. For now, Costco plans to add about half of its seating capacity compared to the old days, according to CNN.