Sampling free food while walking through the aisles of the supermarket is part of the experience of grocery shopping; however, Costco has recently introduced a new policy that puts some restrictions on this practice. Here’s what the change is about and why the company decided to implement it.
What is Costco’s new free sample policy?
One of the perks of shopping at Costco is that you’re not limited in the number of free samples you can take — you can walk by the same aisle and ask for more as many times as you like. But now, the company has started to enforce a much stricter rule when it comes to handing out free food or beverages.
The new policy states that food or drink samples will not be given to children who are not accompanied by an adult. So, if a child wants to try something, they must be with a parent or a responsible adult.
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Why doesn’t Costco give free food samples to children?
The reason is simple: the employees handing out the free samples don’t know if the child is allergic to any ingredients, which could pose a health risk.
What’s the best day to get free samples at Costco?
Those looking to make the most of the free tastings should consider visiting the store on the weekend. While many people choose to go on Sundays, the large crowds can make the experience less enjoyable, so Saturday is often a better option. Additionally, the best time to go is in the early afternoon, around 1:00 or 2:00 p.m., as that’s typically when the greatest variety of samples is available.
What are Costco’s new hours?
Those with an Executive Membership will now be able to shop earlier during the following times:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Outside of these hours, Costco locations will continue to operate under their regular schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
What types of memberships does Costco offer?
Gold Star Membership
This membership is ideal for those who shop occasionally, as it comes with a more affordable annual fee. It also includes the following benefits:
- Access to the warehouse
- Access to Costco gas stations
- Free household card
- Access to Costco services, such as car and home insurance, Costco Auto Program, pet insurance, and bottled water delivery.
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Executive Membership
This membership offers a 2% annual reward, along with exclusive discounts and promotions. The benefits include:
- All the benefits of Gold Star
- 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases
- Free household card
- Access to Costco services with discounts on selected services
How much do Costco memberships cost?
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year
- Executive Membership: $130 per year
Can I shop at Costco without a membership?
To shop at any Costco warehouse, you must be a member. However, those without a membership can purchase prescription medications freely or buy any item in the warehouse using a gift card.
History of Costco
The company dates back to 1976, when Sol Price founded Price Club in San Diego, California. Initially, the company focused exclusively on serving business customers, but over time, it expanded its strategy to include individual consumers through a membership system.
In 1983, Sinegal and Jeff Brotman founded Costco Wholesale in Seattle, Washington. The company grew rapidly, reaching $3 billion in sales in just six years.
In 1993, Price Club and Costco merged, forming PriceCostco, which had 206 stores and annual sales of $16 billion. Eventually, in 1997, the company adopted its current name: Costco Wholesale.
The company’s operational strategy focuses on maintaining low costs and passing those savings onto its members by offering a limited selection of products characterized by quality, price, brand, and distinctive features. Its membership model has been a differentiating factor in the retail industry. Today, Costco has a global presence in key markets and has surpassed $64 billion in annual sales.
