Officials with Costco Wholesale said its stores will offer samples to customers again soon. The product sampling has been a long-time draw for many shoppers.
“We’re going to start doing some things in mid-June on a slow rollout basis in sampling,” Costco chief financial officer Richard Galanti said. “I can’t tell you anymore, but … needless to say, it’s not going to be where you go and just pick up an open sample with your fingers. But sampling – food and nonfood items – are popular.”
Dine-in areas at most Costco locations will also resume serving food.
Costco stopped offering samples in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve added some, but not all the items back as of now,” Galanti said.
Among the many precautions Costco is taking amid coronavirus concerns is a requirement for staff and shoppers to wear masks in stores, a mandate that started May 4.
Only children under the age of 2 and people who are unable to wear face coverings due to a medical condition are exempt from the mandate.
“We instituted the mask requirement on May 4 because we felt it was the right thing to do,” Galanti said. “If we’re right, we’ve helped stop the spread of the coronavirus. If we’re wrong, it’s a small inconvenience.”
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>> Coronavirus: Costco will require shoppers to wear face coverings