Costco free samples are coming back
May 28, 2021, 11:12 AM
There are several reasons Trader Joe's, Costco and other stores suddenly stop selling customer favorites.(Photo credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock)
(Photo credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock)
Costco said its free samples will be back in stores, along with its full food court and seating in US stores by June.
The announcement was made by Costco’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Richard Galanti during its third-quarter earnings call with investors. Costco cut samples and a large portion of their food court in March of 2020.
“As various states opened and closed last summer and fall, we tried a few sampling events,” Galanti told investors. “I’m happy to report that over the next couple of weeks, we’re beginning a phased return to full sampling. This will come in waves.”
He said the first wave of locations will include about 170 of their near 550 warehouses the first week of June and the remaining stores will follow through the rest of the month.
“The first wave will actually determine how fast we roll out and what and when restrictions are lifted. I’m sure there will be a few states with unique restrictions as well,” he continued.
Galanti said there will be increased safety protocols in place at their stores, such as all samples being prepared behind plexiglass and prepared in smaller batches.
Also on the menu will be “new-and-improved churros” and “high-end soft ice cream to replace our frozen yogurt” coming to the food court.
Galanti said they plan on having tables and seating back in most locations by June 7. There will be about half as many tables than before 2020.
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