In a significant move, Costco has announced the suspension of its popular free samples in all U.S. stores, as well as in China. This decision comes as part of the company’s efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. While there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food, the potential risk posed by shared samples is concerning, as highlighted by various social media users.
For Costco members, these complimentary mini snacks have long been a highlight of the shopping experience, offering a smorgasbord of culinary delights that could easily amount to a free meal—if you manage to resist the urge to spend $200 on bulk items. Legendary in their own right, these samples have played a crucial role in promoting Costco’s diverse range of products, from quiches to pizzas and everything cheesy in between.
As of Saturday, reported COVID-19 cases in the U.S. reached 312, with new infections emerging across multiple states. In response, many companies, including Amtrak, have suspended non-essential travel, and consumers are rushing to stock up on essentials like toilet paper and disinfectants. Richard Galanti, Costco’s CFO, noted in a recent earnings call that despite daily deliveries, the demand for key items has exceeded supply, prompting some locations to limit purchases of toilet paper and paper towels.
While the free samples may be temporarily off the table, Costco’s food court remains open for business. Customers can still indulge in their favorite hot dogs, giant pizzas, and churros—though this time, they’ll need to pay for them. It’s a challenging period for many, but for those still looking for food inspiration, check out this other blog post for more ideas.
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In summary, Costco’s decision to suspend free samples highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, yet the food court remains a comforting option for shoppers.