Shopping at Costco (The New Normal) for now...

[dreamin]

We went to Costco last week for the senior hour, arriving just before store opening. We estimated 300 seniors in line and that is no exaggeration. Each person was separated by one cart which isn't 6 feet. We left and came back around 3 pm and there were about 100 in line. The wait to get in the store was 40 minutes but we needed to pick up prescriptions so had no choice but to wait. I did an extra-large shopping while I was there because I didn't intend on going back anytime soon but then I learned that the Pharmacy will only give a 30 day supply of drugs so we will have to go back and wait in line! The population in our city is around 650,000 and we have 3 Costco stores, each one of them reporting hour-long waits to get in. Some of the sale items were sold out even though it was the first day of the sale and there were no paper towels. I was impressed with the attention to cleanliness and organization in the store. This was my first time out of the house in 3 weeks (required self-isolation after returning from travel) so I enjoyed my trip to Costco!

 

[PcflEZFlng]

We went to Costco last week for the senior hour, arriving just before store opening. We estimated 300 seniors in line and that is no exaggeration. Each person was separated by one cart which isn't 6 feet. We left and came back around 3 pm and there were about 100 in line. The wait to get in the store was 40 minutes but we needed to pick up prescriptions so had no choice but to wait. I did an extra-large shopping while I was there because I didn't intend on going back anytime soon but then I learned that the Pharmacy will only give a 30 day supply of drugs so we will have to go back and wait in line! The population in our city is around 650,000 and we have 3 Costco stores, each one of them reporting hour-long waits to get in. Some of the sale items were sold out even though it was the first day of the sale and there were no paper towels. I was impressed with the attention to cleanliness and organization in the store. This was my first time out of the house in 3 weeks (required self-isolation after returning from travel) so I enjoyed my trip to Costco!

I went there a couple of weeks ago just to get a prescription and nothing else. There was a line to get in, but I was able to walk to the head of the line, state "pharmacy only," and be escorted to the pharmacy and then back out of the store. I was there less than 10 minutes. As I understand it, you can do that at all Costco stores.

 

[Ken555]

Costco Is Thriving During The Coronavirus Pandemic. Its Workers Say They’ve Paid The Price.
Costco has long been beloved by employees, some of whom have worked there for decades. But the retailer’s decision-making during the coronavirus pandemic has tested their loyalty and compromised their health.

Costco Is Thriving During The Coronavirus Pandemic. Its Workers Say They’ve Paid The Price.

Costco has long been beloved by employees, some of whom have worked there for decades. But the retailer’s decision-making during the coronavirus pandemic has tested their loyalty and compromised their health.

www.buzzfeednews.com

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[DaveNV]

I was at Costco yesterday. Interesting that the Senior Hour has become the social even of the week. I arrived forty minutes before opening, and I was second in line to get in. By the time they opened the door, there was easily 200 people waiting in line. I've never seen so many people waiting like that. So obviously, the word is out about the early hours.

Inventory seemed pretty normal, (i.e. an entire wall of TP and paper towels, but still restricted to one package per member, lots of bottled water), but no Lysol Spray or Clorox Wipes. I noticed any gaps in supplies had been carefully backfilled with other products so the shelves were not empty. The fresh meat cases were full of everything normally stocked - beef, pork, fresh seafood, whatever. The refrigerated and freezer cases, however, had little in the way of bagged chicken parts, bacon was very limited. Only frozen hamburger and chicken patties, seafood (fish, shrimp), Chinese and Mexican foods, cheeses, and dairy were at what I'd consider "normal" levels. Not sure how much hoarding of frozen meat is going on. I was looking for the five pack of the one-pound Kirkland branded hamburger chubs, but they had none. I got a six-pound tray of fresh hamburger, and used our seal-a-meal to break it down to freezable one-pound portions. Quarantine sacrifices.

Contrasted with my last trip to Safeway, where they had many empty shelves and absentee inventory. Canned goods, pasta items, and cleaning products were completely gone, leaving a lot of empty spaces where inventory normally sits.

How are the Costco and grocery store supplies in your area? Are your stores better stocked than before? Is hoarding still happening? Wondering if that's local to my area? For those of you in areas that have relaxed restrictions, is shopping any more normal than it was previously?

Dave

 

[Firepath]

Last Saturday morning, shortly after opening, our local Costco still had a normal supply of fresh and frozen meats and bottled water, but they had a sign out front noting that they were out of TP, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and bleach. We were able to get facial tissues though they were out of Kirkland brand. Yesterday I went to our local grocery store and noticed they had TP and paper towels but were almost out of napkins. At Costco almost everyone was wearing a mask, at the local store only about half the shoppers were.

 

["Roger"]

Went to Costco this morning for the first time since post #10. That day was the first for senior hour, and as mentioned, there was a line to get in (but not nearly what others have been reporting). This morning, arrived about twenty minutes after eight and there was no line to get in. You could see that they were prepared for heavier traffic at times (probably on weekends during normal hours) in that they had this maze you needed to walk through to get to the actual entrance. The beginning of the maze is marked as start the line here. About eighty to ninety percent of the shoppers wore masks. There were a couple of items on my list that were not there, but overall the store was well stocked. There was a mountain of toilet paper next to a mountain of paper towels. I am quite sure that the Kirkland TP used to come in twenty-four roll bundles. Now the number is thirty rolls. There were barricades along the aisles in the freezer section with signs stating that there one way traffic only so you had to wend your way down in one direction and then wend your way back in the other. Overall, I credit them for their organization, but it feels a bit less friendly now.

 

[Cornell]

Hey Costco experts -- I need to buy some contacts. I have the 'scrip so no need for an exam. Can I order the lenses from Costco during this time? Their prices really can't be beat for lenses.

 

[SandyPGravel]

I noticed during my trip on Monday afternoon that the case that usually had pork, (chops, ribs, loin etc) was full of chicken. No pork to be seen. I wasn't looking to buy any, just noticed it was different. I wanted some tortilla chips and couldn't find any. Plenty of fried pork rinds and veggie straws though! I noticed there wasn't any chicken salad, but that seems to ebb and flow. (I wanted some because my DH left the container I bought two weeks ago on top of the fridge instead of putting it in the fridge. I didn't notice for about 24 hours! ) I have plenty of chicken and burger so I didn't check out that supply.

I also noticed that the flow in the store was altered a bit. You used to be able to walk in go past the TV's and right over to the check out area. Now the path through is blocked off with plants and patio furniture. The vegetable cooler is a one way road now. Except for lines on the floor near the checkouts, I didn't notice any other traffic signals.

Wasn't busy, but it was a little after 3 pm when I get off work. Used to be a little more crowded at that time of day. Probably 1/2 of the people I saw were wearing masks. I really want to ask if you are wearing a mask, but not over your nose what's the point? But, I try to be non-confrontational. I just judge silently... I did find it hard when I wanted to see the back of a product and that isn't possible without picking it up. I'm trying to only pick up what I seriously intend to purchase. The Ghirardelli cookie mix looked interesting, but I can make my own. I wish Costco still carried Ghirardelli chips in the jumbo bag!

 

[DaveNV]

Overall, I credit them for their organization, but it feels a bit less friendly now.

I think it's all about social distancing. My Costco had the one-way lines in some areas, but not in others. Now it's only in the back corner, where space is very tight. It had to do with available floor space, I think. Same with the front door maze. Think Disneyland-level creativity. After this is over, I'm sure it'll go back to what it used to be.

Dave

 

[DaveNV]

Hey Costco experts -- I need to buy some contacts. I have the 'scrip so no need for an exam. Can I order the lenses from Costco during this time? Their prices really can't be beat for lenses.

I'd suggest calling the Costco.com number and ask them what you can get mail order. If you know what you need, maybe so. I know the eyeglass sections of warehouses are closed right now, due to inability to have social distancing.

Dave

 

[dioxide45]

Hey Costco experts -- I need to buy some contacts. I have the 'scrip so no need for an exam. Can I order the lenses from Costco during this time? Their prices really can't be beat for lenses.

If you have a way to scan the script, order online. We did that for my wife's contacts right at the start of the whole mess and they shipped them. You order through Costco.com and go to Optical.

 

[Cornell]

If you have a way to scan the script, order online. We did that for my wife's contacts right at the start of the whole mess and they shipped them. You order through Costco.com and go to Optical.

You are my answer man today !

 

[stmartinfan]

Visited Costco for the first time in over a month, arriving about 8:45 during senior hour. Our store has made few changes in layout that I could see, except to reduce the tables of clothing to make wide aisles that went straight through. I was surprised at the number of couples there and at a lack of concern for social distancing I saw often, especially by older men shopping alone. They just seemed clueless about watching out to avoid getting too close to others.

Next time I need to go, I think I'll arrive about 9:15, because when I left at that time the parking lot was much emptier.

 

[JohnPaul]

Went to our local Costco here in Sacramento on Monday around 11 am. Easy parking. No line to get in (although there was when I left). They had paper towels (which I needed) but no TP (which I didn't need). Also had eggs and spaghetti which have been low. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and meats. Chicken items were limited to 1 to a customer. Only 1 person ahead of me to check out. Also had my Krusteaz Pancake Mix which has been out both in store and on line.

Couldn't find any sign of ANY shampoo or conditioner but was able to order on line.

There are now plastic screens all the way across the checkout line with a small window to pass money under. Didn't take my card - just scanned it while I held it. No checking the receipt on the way out.

Passed the gas station ($2.09 for regular) and only about 4 cars.

The day before I was at my local Safeway. Apparently they had COVID in their warehouse and supplies were interrupted. No strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc. The only salad products were a couple of boxes of Kale and a couple of boxes of arugula. Not even head lettuce. Paper aisle was of course empty. Meat case was sparse.

 

[turkel]

We went to Costco today in SoCal around 11 am line was around the building. I said forget it, DH reminded me as first responders we didn’t have to wait. We each had to show our ID.

Thank goodness my old license is always with me ( the BRN no longer sends a license ) Otherwise they would have only let hubby in.

There wasn’t any toilet paper or flushable wipes. Didn’t buy much but still managed to spend $240. We did pick up some Kleenex for the gal who runs the apartment building up North. I don’t remember Kleenex being $20.00 but it seems every item at Costco is $10-$20.

 

[Luvtoride]

You are my answer man today !

How much less than Contacts Direct or Web Eyecare are they? All brands and types? I wear acuvue multifocal daily lenses. Would they have those type?


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[dioxide45]

How much less than Contacts Direct or Web Eyecare are they? All brands and types? I wear acuvue multifocal daily lenses. Would they have those type?


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You can check what they have and the prices online. Go to Costco.com, then click on Optical in the top menu and select Contact Lenses. You can then go to Lens Types at the top and pick Multifocal.

 

[dreamin]

No garden centre at our Costco this year, which was one of my favourite places to buy plants. It was usually open from May to July. Most of Costco’s plants come from BC. My sister lives in BC and one of the greenhouses told her Costco had cancelled their order so she was discounting her annuals because of the surplus. These would have been started from seed back in February. I’m not sure who loses money on cancelled orders....Costco or the growers.

 

[DaveNV]

Sobering news:

Maui Costco has first COVID-19 case

An employee at Costco Wholesale in Kahului tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, and the retailer has taken steps to ensure safety for staff and member customers, a store official told The Maui News on Thursday. General Manager Tony Facemire said Thursday the employee, whose primary role is...

www.mauinews.com

This person worked at the Refund desk at that warehouse. Those people are on the direct front lines of this virus at Costco. They handle merchandise from members, membership cards, cash, and have repeated, face-to-face, direct contact across the Refund counter, all day, every day, serving hundreds of members a week. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

This is also precisely why my spouse is currently on a leave of absence from Costco, and may end up taking early retirement. Spouse is highly susceptible to catching this virus, and is genetically predisposed to a deadly lung disease that killed spouse's mother and uncle. This is nothing to make light of, when the job you do all day could end up killing you.

Dave

 

[Fredflintstone]

Sobering news:

Maui Costco has first COVID-19 case

An employee at Costco Wholesale in Kahului tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, and the retailer has taken steps to ensure safety for staff and member customers, a store official told The Maui News on Thursday. General Manager Tony Facemire said Thursday the employee, whose primary role is...

www.mauinews.com

This person worked at the Refund desk at that warehouse. Those people are on the direct front lines of this virus at Costco. They handle merchandise from members, membership cards, cash, and have repeated, face-to-face, direct contact across the Refund counter, all day, every day, serving hundreds of members a week. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

This is also precisely why my spouse is currently on a leave of absence from Costco, and may end up taking early retirement. Spouse is highly susceptible to catching this virus, and is genetically predisposed to a deadly lung disease that killed spouse's mother and uncle. This is nothing to make light of, when the job you do all day could end up killing you.

Dave

Very true Dave.

It’s truly a new world when one needs to contemplate their job over illness risks. I see that with many who will question whether to work in areas where it is required to be surrounded by the public who may or may not share a disease that could harm you.

You said earlier you retired and all is secure. Maybe it’s time for her to join you and begin enjoying your retirement together.

Just my 2 cents...


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[Ken555]

Sobering news:

Maui Costco has first COVID-19 case

An employee at Costco Wholesale in Kahului tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, and the retailer has taken steps to ensure safety for staff and member customers, a store official told The Maui News on Thursday. General Manager Tony Facemire said Thursday the employee, whose primary role is...

www.mauinews.com

This person worked at the Refund desk at that warehouse. Those people are on the direct front lines of this virus at Costco. They handle merchandise from members, membership cards, cash, and have repeated, face-to-face, direct contact across the Refund counter, all day, every day, serving hundreds of members a week. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

This is also precisely why my spouse is currently on a leave of absence from Costco, and may end up taking early retirement. Spouse is highly susceptible to catching this virus, and is genetically predisposed to a deadly lung disease that killed spouse's mother and uncle. This is nothing to make light of, when the job you do all day could end up killing you.

Dave

Sadly, this was expected. See post 153


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[DaveNV]

You said earlier you retired and all is secure. Maybe it’s time for her to join you and begin enjoying your retirement together.

That is a frequent conversation at our house right now. We're waiting to see how things develop over the next few months, and whether things in our area calm down enough to consider spouse returning to work. If that isn't possible, then quitting may be the only option, which will force the early retirement issue. And if that happens, we have no reason to stay where we currently live. If we're both going to be retired, I'd much rather be spending time laying by the pool in a warm, sunny place.

Time will tell.

Dave

 

[DaveNV]

Sadly, this was expected. See post 153


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You're right, Ken.

Dave

 

[geist1223]

Costco shopper who ignores mask requirement is booted from store by employee, viral video shows

Costco shopper who ignores mask requirement is booted from store by employee, viral video shows

The man said he wouldn't wear a mask because he "woke up in a free country."

www.foxnews.com

 

[DaveNV]

Costco shopper who ignores mask requirement is booted from store by employee, viral video shows

Costco shopper who ignores mask requirement is booted from store by employee, viral video shows

The man said he wouldn't wear a mask because he "woke up in a free country."

www.foxnews.com

And total props go to the Warehouse Manager who did this. He was polite, respectful, and correct in his behavior. You can protest all you want, but at the end of the day, Costco is NOT a public place. It's a private membership warehouse, and you pay for the privilege of shopping there. If you aren't going to follow the rules, and you're endangering other shoppers who ARE following the rules, you don't belong. "You'll have to leave now."

I know Costco will be happy to refund this man's membership fee so he can shop elsewhere.

Dave