ISSAQUAH, WA - It is now June, meaning we have nearly made it halfway through 2021 (phew). Aside from climbing temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere, this month is also welcoming the return of free samples at Costco locations. Shoppers will surely be sprinting to the stores as soon as they receive word, and we at ANUK are eager to learn if this is the first of many moves the big-box grocer will take as we evaluate post-pandemic life.

"Increased safety protocols are and will be in place, including all samples prepared behind plexiglass, prepared in smaller batches for better safety control, and distributed to members one at a time," said Richard Galanti, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, in Costco’s third quarter earnings call.

According to a report from USA Today, by the end of this week, roughly 170 of Costco’s 550 locations will resume sampling. The remaining stores are expected to implement full sampling by the end of the month.

The news source did not comment on how this strategy might play a role in the produce department, but I would bet that many suppliers may see renewed interest in lesser-known offerings and varieties. Plus, the words “free samples” tend to drive sales regardless.

Will this move encourage other grocers to launch new post-pandemic strategies? Keep reading ANUK to find out.

Costco