Things have been crazy at Costco since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. Deemed as an
essential service, Costco warehouses have experienced a surge in sales and demand as
panicked shoppers flock to the store to stock up on all kinds of goods. So let’s take
a look at 10 Ways Costco has been affected by Covid-19.
No More Free Samples
Everyone loves the free samples at Costco. Consumers love to congregate around work stations
in close proximity to get a taste of the free samples. To deal with the potential spread
of the novel coronavirus, Costco had to put certain measures in place to protect not only
its customers but its employees as well. So, Costco decided to suspend giving out its free
samples until further notice. This measure will enforce social distancing by preventing
people from forming huddles. Concerns arose last month when panicked buyers rushed to
purchase certain items and caused pile ups in front of toilet paper and bottled water. Standing
in front of workstations waiting for free samples could potentially spread viruses even
quicker among customers. And of course, there’s also the matter of people touching other people’s
food, therefore increasing the risk of spreading germs even more. Therefore, most Costco stores
began abiding by new regulations set forth by the CDC in March. The first States to implement
this rule were California, Washington and Florida. The rest of the country soon followed
as well. There is no date or indication as to when the suspensions will end. Of course,
consumers mourned the smorgasbord of free snacks on social media and Reddit. Costco
is legendary for its free samples, and the practice is one of the stores biggest draws.
During this crisis, it's absolutely better to be safe than sorry.
Food Court - Take out only
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a disaster for the restaurant industry, causing closures
and many jobs losses. Costco’s food court, which falls under this category, must abide
by the same rules and regulations. While most grocery stores have to remain open, that
does not mean the food court does. With regulations banning gatherings in restaurants, Costco
had no choice but to comply and shut down its food courts for the time being. The restaurant
is open but only serving a limited menu, and orders are available for take-out only. Condiments
can no longer be found in the food court area and must be requested at the cash. All these
added precautions are in place to ensure customer and employee safety. Customers love its food
court not only for the cheap grub, but also as a way to sit and relax after shopping.
It's one of the most popular areas in the store to congregate. Since many restaurants
are now only providing take-out options, it's only wise that Costco would follow suit. The
way people shop has also changed as they're no longer able to spend hours in stores just
browsing.
Limit People in Store
At the start of the outbreak, many Costco members feared there was going to be a total
shutdown or a shortage of food and supplies. Some people rushed to the stores, going into
panic buying mode. Large crowds flocked to stores, causing traffic jams and mass frenzies.The
situation got downright dangerous. People were verbally abusive, pushing each other
to grab the last items stocked on shelves. Some made mad dashes for toilet paper, sanitizers,
wipes, bottled water and even rotisserie chicken. Since then, to further assist customers with
social distancing and for safety purposes, Costco has temporarily implemented limits
on how many people can enter its stores. It has also set limits on how many items at a
time customers can buy. Costco warehouses in the U.S will only allow two people per
membership card to enter. Standard procedures apply for all shoppers. Employees control
seemingly infinite lineups, only letting customers enter once someone has left, to prevent overcrowding.
Customers are required to take a cart which helps increase the social distance. They're
also given wipes to clean their hands and carts.
Social Distancing
Costco warehouses are usually very busy places, at any given time. They can fit hundreds and
even thousands of people on certain days during peak hours. The lineups are long, with people
standing close to each other as they browse the aisles. No doubt, warehouse stores can
become prime areas for infection. To counter this, Costco has enforced rules and recommendations
made by the CDC in regards to social distancing. In order to minimize risks to their members
and employees, they have set up numerous measures to ensure there is an even flow of customers
in and out of stores. At the entrance doors, they have guidelines in place for people to
read while they wait in line. People are required to stand at a minimum of 6.5 feet from each
other anywhere in the store. Costco has set up arrows on the floor aisles that lead directly
to the back of the store for essential items only and have quartered off some sections
deemed non-essential. Once at the cash, the same rules apply in regards to spacing. While
the usual help is available, you are asked to self-bag outside the store. Most employees
wear gloves and even masks. They do not touch membership cards, or debit and credit cards.
To avoid a bottle neck at the exit, for receipt checking, Costco employees now wave you through,
ensuring the process remains fast and efficient.
Return Policy
Last month, Costco experienced a major surge in sales due to shoppers going into full panic-buying
in fear of the virus. It may be a good thing for Costco sales, but it wasn’t so good
for customers and staff. With all the panic buying, staff quickly saw stocks deplete.
Some customers were left without, while others hoarded massive amounts of supplies such as
toilet paper, sanitizing products like Lysol wipes, paper towels and even bottled water.
There was such a frenzy, Costco had to implement limits and put restrictions on certain items
and their returns. This, on top of it being a health and safety concern, means Costco
is no longer accepting returns on such items as toilet paper, paper towels, sanitizing
wipes, disinfecting spray, bottled water and even rice. According to CFO Richard Galanti,
“We were getting deliveries daily, but it still was not enough given the increased levels
of demand on certain key items’’. They have also increased the stock of more popular
items. Their buyers and suppliers are working hard during the Covid-19 outbreak to provide
essential, high demand products as well as the usual favorites that Costco sells everyday.
Senior Shopping Hours
Costco has members of all ages; shopping there is not relegated to a specific age group.
One of the ways Costco has been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak is they have to be extra
vigilant and take precautions towards all their members, young and old. Costco is being
mindful as they want to prevent anyone from potentially getting infected while shopping
at one of their warehouses, and they’re aware that the elderly are at particular risk.
They have implemented special shopping hours for those aged 60 and up and for those with
disabilities. These groups can be seriously and detrimentally affected by the virus, due
to age and possibly suppressed immune systems. This will allow the most vulnerable to shop
in a safe environment and avoid the regular crowds, putting them at the least risk possible.
The Costco pharmacy will also be open early for Senior shoppers to allow them to fill
their prescriptions before the store is overwhelmed. Remember: only members who meet these criteria will
be able to shop during these hours. Guests will not be admitted with senior shoppers
unless absolutely necessary.
New Store Hours
The pace has been frantic at Costco warehouse since the coronavirus hit. High consumer demands
have brought more work and created stressful situations for Costco staff. From having to
replenish store shelves quickly to appeasing irate customers, it's been tough on them.
Because their jobs have made them more susceptible to contracting the virus, the members of this
once-overlooked segment of the population have been elevated into modern-day heroes.
After the first initial wave of panic buying hit, Costco had no choice but to put into
effect reduced hours for their employees. So, for the last month, they have reduced
their store hours to protect customers as well as their overwhelmed staff. Most Costco
US stores will cut two hours Monday through Friday. It appears weekend hours will remain
the same since they are prime shopping time.Costco Canada has closed their stores on Sunday entirely. Of
course, hours and closures vary from location to location and depending on the state and
the country in question. So it’s best to check your location’s hours before heading
out.
Priority access for Health Care & First Responders
In the midst of COVID-19, Costco has temporarily allowed priority access to healthcare workers
and first responders during regular hours. Nurses, police officers, paramedics and firefighters
receive special treatment at Costco warehouses. All this group has to do is present their
membership card and they can enter the store immediately. Since the outbreak, the spotlight
has been on front-line workers, and for good reason. While many Americans can work remotely,
many of these essential workers still have to go to work and still take care of their
families at home. Costco recognizes the vital role these employees play during the crisis
and are making moves to support and protect them. Costco store employees are also at risk,
and the warehouses have taken measures to also protect them by installing shields at
the cash and providing staff with masks and gloves.
Employees affected by Covid-19
There has been lots of reporting in the news with regards to many Costco employees getting
sick. Costco store employees are at very high risk, even though they have taken all necessary
measures to protect their staff. Costco CEO Craig Jelinek announced that hourly employees
in the US and Puerto Rico will be paid an additional $2 per hour for time worked from
March 2 to present. Other stores have also followed suit during the crisis. They are
calling the increase “appreciation pay” on top of their normal and overtime wages.
Many people think that it’s the least they can do for their employees. With so many lay-offs
in other sectors, where people are not so lucky, having a guaranteed job and a pay increase
is a huge plus.
Reduced Services
To further limit personal contact and also create more space, Costco has temporarily
reduced services in some departments. Temporary closures vary from one location to the other,
but there is limited-to-no service at the Optical, Hearing Aid, Travel, Floral and Jewelry
departments. However, Costco members may continue to shop for these items online. The grocery
section, as well the bakery section have no limits or barriers; they remain open for all.
For the bakery section, certain special orders have to be placed ahead of time and picked
up by appointment. The pharmacy remains open and they have implemented special designated
hours for their senior members only. Gas pump hours have also been reduced; they are open
daily but only until 7 pm. This gives customers an hour to fuel up after the store has closed.
All Business Centers will continue to operate during normal store hours.
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