Costco is suspending free samples due to security concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus.
It was not immediately known whether Costco had taken samples from all stores in the United States or only from certain regions or when the suspension would end.
Club Demonstration Services, which offers in-store marketing events for Costco, declined to comment on Friday night and referred calls to Costco. Costco did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.
Costco stores in California, Washington, and Florida said they had no idea when Costco would start offering free food samples again.
The news that product demonstrations would be suspended first appeared on Reddit on Thursday.
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Consumers have mourned the multitude of free snacks on social media. Costco’s free samples are a legendary draw in warehouse clubs, whether you’re casually grazing or going for a full meal. Buyers can taste a meatball here, a few pretzels there, while stacking toilet paper and bottled water in their oversized carts.
“We receive deliveries daily, but still not enough given the increased demand on certain key elements,” said Costco chief financial officer Richard Galanti during a conference call with investors on Thursday. Some Costco stores have suspended free samples due to security concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus. Does your store still offer samples? USA TODAY wants to know if your store has made a change and what are your thoughts for possible inclusion in the cover of USA TODAY. Fill out the form below or via this link. Change of Costco sample: has your store taken samples from COVID-19?