Amid tidal waves of shoppers and a frenzy of buying across the country, Costco is cutting their hours to ensure ample time for cleaning and restocking.
Effective Monday, March 30, all U.S. Costco locations will be open the following hours: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m (weekdays), 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. (Saturdays), and 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. (Sundays). This revised schedule will remain in place for the foreseeable future as store workers struggle with the volume of shoppers they are currently seeing.
Social media is full of pictures and videos of unbelievably long lines and empty shelves at Costcos all over the country. Citing a need to clean more frequently and employee burnout, the new schedule was created to improve the overall store experience.
Ever since states began recommending that people shelter in place at home, more and more people are inundating retailers as they try to stock up on supplies. Costco and other big box stores are front and center, with lines that often stretch for blocks before their doors even open.
My friend sent me this, line up at #Costco this morning 😑 pic.twitter.com/6AGVUCtHeC
— Jayan (@WinWithJay) March 26, 2020
This is the massive line to get to #Costco in NorCal on Friday at 9AM following shelter in place order. pic.twitter.com/cXUC7k7d6w
— neardy (@cryptyk3) March 21, 2020
With this many shoppers, you can only imagine what it is like inside. Workers now have to contend with a constant cleaning schedule throughout the day and maintaining social distancing between visitors.
Seattle #Costco, right after doors opened. Staff has been amazing, instructing everyone about social distancing, wiping down carts before anyone touched them, meticulously disinfecting refrigerator handles, and limiting staples (eggs, milk, butter) to one per customer. pic.twitter.com/mn6p1qPLmQ
— Katy Faust (@Advo_Katy) March 20, 2020
For more information about store hours for other services like the gas station or pharmacy, or to find the location closest to you, visit the Costco website.
What are your thoughts on Costco's new schedule? Sound off in the comments!