How the coronavirus is impacting Costco (Even more changes…)

In my post about the impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on Costco (How the coronavirus is impacting Costco) I noted two large changes in the stores. Even more have been put into place as the virus has been spreading and worsening and more restrictions have been placed on people and businesses. I have not been to Costco since these changes have been implemented–and it is hard to believe that it was only a little over two weeks ago that I was at Costco and surprised that they were handing out wipes to wipe the cart handles!…now grocery stores are limiting the number of people in the store, have cleaning crews wiping all handles and frequently touched surfaces after each use, and lines on the floor to mark how far apart customers should stand.

With respect to Costco, the major additional changes of which I have become aware are:

Returns

I have written multiple posts about the famous return policy at Costco, including praising it (Returning at Costco), poking some fun at some ridiculous returns (Ridiculous Returns), and questioning if it is overly generous (Maybe they are too generous…). Costco no longer accepts returns for toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice, and disinfecting spray. When I initially learned that they were restrcinting retunrs, I assumed it was because they did not want items back in the store after others had touched and or taken them home. However, I have since learned that the major impetus for this new policy is to prevent people from “panic buying”, (thus limiting others from having the opportunity to purchase any) and then trying to return them if they end up not needing them. (Rice being on the list does surprise me as I have not heard of that being an item in high demand).

Hours

As of March 30, weekday hours at Costco stores will change, with stores closing at 6:30 and gas stations closing at 7. (Neither business stores nor weekend hours will change).

Costco has also implemented special hours for higher risk individuals (60+; those with physical impairments) on Tuesdays-Thursdays 8-9 am.

Social Distancing

Hard to imagine that, only a few weeks ago, most of us had never even heard of this phrase, isn’t it? (I have since heard people promote the use of “physical distancing” instead as a way to emphasize that, although we should be staying away from others physically, it is important that we remain socially connected).

Costco requests that customers and employees maintain a distance of 6 feet between themselves and others. As part of this change, they have reduced the staffing of some  departments that are not currently in as high demand (e.g., floral) to enable more space for people (I don’t know if these employees are still working elsewhere in the store). In addition, consistent with the guidelines for eating establishments in many states, the seating in the food court has been removed and condiments must be requested (i.e., no longer self-serve.)

What do you think about how Costco is handling this pandemic? Do you appreciate these changes?

Anything else you would want them to change? Do you anticipate even more changes in coming weeks?

Have you noticed any other changes?