Costco to Bring Back Free Samples

One of the wholesale retailer’s most beloved practices is making a comeback. Like most retail chains, wholesale retailer Costco had a bit of a rough go during the pandemic,...


One of the wholesale retailer’s most beloved practices is making a comeback.

Like most retail chains, wholesale retailer Costco had a bit of a rough go during the pandemic, as shopping in person at the membership-only chains is one of its primary appeals. While the stores stayed open, many of its common practices, such as giving out free food samples, were suspended in the interest of health and safety. Now that pandemic restrictions have been relaxed, though, Costco can start conducting its business with a little more normalcy, and that includes the beloved practice of free samples.

Costco announced today that it is “beginning a phased return to full sampling” starting in June. Around 140 locations will resume giving out free samples at the start of the month, with the remainder of the chain’s locations gradually returning to it by the end of the month. It won’t be exactly the same, however; in the interest of safety, samples will be prepared in smaller batches, and from behind a plexiglass barrier.

Along with the samples, Costco will also be reopening its in-store food courts, albeit with changed seating arrangements to accommodate social distancing procedures. The food courts will feature new and expanded menus in an effort to boost their sales, though their old standbys like churros and ice cream will remain.