Costco Is Making a Big Change to Control Crowds

Michael Timmermann | April 2nd, 2020

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If you’re relying on Costco Wholesale to stock up on groceries and household essentials during the coronavirus pandemic, you should know about a change to the company’s guest shopping policy.

Starting April 3, only two people will be allowed to enter the warehouse per membership card.

Costco Announces New Rule to Control Crowds

“This temporary change is for your safety and the safety of our employees and other members, and to further assist with our social distancing efforts,” Costco said on its website.

Costco says it’s following CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of coronavirus. That includes asking members to use social distancing (or physical distancing) guidelines and staying at least 6 feet apart from other people.

In addition, here are some of the other measures that Costco says it’s taking during this health crisis:

WAREHOUSE HOURS: Costco locations in the U.S. will close at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays; gas stations will open at 7:30 a.m. daily and will close at 7 p.m. on weekdays and 6:30 p.m. on weekends.
SPECIAL OPERATING HOURS: Tuesday through Thursday, clubs will open from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for members ages 60 and older.
RETURN RESTRICTIONS: Costco is not accepting returns on some items, including: Toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice and disinfecting spray.
PRODUCT LIMITATIONS: Limits on high-demand items are being put in place to allow more members to get what they need.
FOOD COURT: Costco’s food court remains open with a limited menu, but you must take your order to-go. Seating is not available at this time.

Of course, these policies are not unique to Costco. Other major national and regional retailers — particularly grocery stores — have started to limit the number of shoppers in the store to maintain social distancing.

Some retailers, but not all, are providing hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes at the door for customers.