Costco Plans on Restarting Free Sampling and Reopening Food Courts Everywhere by June End

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Since the pandemic began, free sampling of edibles at supermarkets across the world have been prohibited. However, in a partial news snippet in April, the retailing giant Costco delivered word that it was planning to gradually resume its free sampling and reopen its food courts in a pace and processual manner. However, the news came with a disclaimer by Costco CFO and EVP Richard Galanti, who said the process would “take some time.”

Details about the Proposed Reopening

Now, the retail giant has an official rollout plan in place. The most recent announcement by the conglomerate highlights the specificities of the plan for resumption. Full sampling will return in phases but is expected to restart everywhere by the end of June, 2021. Around 170 of Costco’s 550 US locations will welcome back full sampling—which was available previously, but in a limited, pre-packaged capacity only—this week, with the rest following suit by the end of the month. 

Precautionary Measures

Galanti highlighted the precautionary measures that would have to be diligently followed to ensure the safety of customers. He asserted, “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.”

Costco’s food courts have been serving a scaled-back menu for takeout only, but will now bring back seating (at half capacity) as well as its full menu. Tables will maintain physical distance, and seat no more than four shoppers. According to reports, Costco is even adding new items to menus, including “new and improved churros” and ice cream. This resumption of the food court and free sampling lines takes place on the heels of certain other relaxations already endorsed by the brand. Back in May, Costco dropped its mask requirement for fully vaccinated shoppers. “In Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate, we will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield,” CEO Craig Jelinek wrote in a letter to members on May 14^th, 2021.