Here’s the letter from CEO Craig Jelinek: As the global effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, Costco is firmly committed to the health and safety of our members and employees, and serving our communities. I was the senior retail analyst at Morgan Stanley for 16 years, following a 20 year career at retailers including Macy’s, May Department Stores and Allied Stores. These exclusive hours are excellent shopping times for senior citizens who are most at risk during this scary period, since it allows people who are more vulnerable to the virus to shop in greater safety and comfort. It can be great being a Costco employee, and that has a lot has to with the perks that come with the job. Stores Offering Senior Shopping Hours During the Coronavirus Pandemic ... be open for these shoppers. Costco Is Thriving During The Coronavirus Pandemic. Notably, they are open at 10:00am during … Costco saw a surge in shopping in the early weeks of the pandemic, as customers flocked its stores to buy essentials in bulk. Costco has increased the number of days that it is designating for seniors age 60 and older or those with physical impairments during the coronavirus pandemic. But the retailer’s decision-making during the coronavirus pandemic has … The success of Costco explains how Americans' spending habits have changed during the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Friday. It is strongly recommended that you get in touch with the Store Tel : +1 506-635-5300 before your visit to double-check the details and other questions you may have. If you minimize shopping trips and stock up on staples, you limit your time in stores and your risk of exposure to the coronavirus.. And the potential savings can be well worth the annual cost of warehouse club membership, which starts at $45 at Sam's Club, $55 at BJ's and $60 at Costco. Costco food courts are available only for take out. Closed on Sundays and all public holidays ... Costco Optical, the floral department, and the jewelry department. Starting this weekend Costco will offer senior-only (60 years or older) shopping hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. As a result, we’ve taken steps to control the number of members in our warehouses and asked that members and employees practice social distancing. Management expressed gratitude for the devotion during the COVID-19 surge. That means that most stores will close at 6:30 p.m. instead of 8:30 p.m. Costco has updated their store hours. New Store Hours: Warehouse store hours will be cut on Monday by two hours. Our staff consists of trained opticians that are well regarded in the optical industry. We extend our sincere thanks to Costco members and employees worldwide for their ongoing support and loyal dedication during this challenging time. Most Kiwis would be happy with a 1-carat diamond ring but Costco has gone 10 times that, advertising a 10-carat round brilliant cut diamond solitaire ring selling for A$799,999.99 as "unique to Costco". Costco’s warehouses will now close at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can feel confident that you are receiving the best possible care when visiting the Costco Optical department. For now, Costco warehouses in the U.S. will close during the week at 6:30 p.m., with its gas stations open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays and closing at 6:30 p.m. on the weekends. En español | The pandemic has made buying in bulk a more attractive strategy for older shoppers. Management had indicated that everyone was working 24/7 to keep the shelves filled and demand satisfied. During the coronavirus pandemic, Costco has been offering special hours for members 60 years and older. The retailer is generally open from 10am for trade customers and from 11am for individuals, closing at 8.30pm. In-Store Service Changes: In a memorandum to customers, Costco president and CEO W. Craig Jelinek indicated that Costco has reduced services in some departments in order to limited personal contact and create more space for social distancing for the time being. Our buyers and suppliers are working to ensure in-demand merchandise as well as everyday favorites are available in our warehouses. Costco remains open during coronavirus pandemic A line of people waiting to buy supplies amid coronavirus fears snakes through a parking lot at a … I cover major developments in the retail industry. Opening Hours. The company is reducing store hours during this coronavirus crisis. While the circumstances continue to change and we modify our operations as necessary, we thank you for your patience and cooperation. Full coverage and live updates on the Coronavirus. Read more: Latest coronavirus news in Michigan. Costco has long been beloved by employees, some of whom have worked there for decades. Confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus have reached nearly 10,000 in the United States with a reported 150 deaths having been recorded. Please enter what you're searching for. ... have special shopping hours and exclusive pharmacy and optical … The move comes as supermarkets and retailers are striving to make shopping in brick-and-mortar locations safer in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Costco announced the following changes going into effect Monday, March 30: All warehouses will close at 6:30 pm Monday through Friday; Gas stations will close at 7 pm But not everything will be cheap. (This story is for CNBC Pro subscribers only). As millions across the country continue to stock up on essential items, Costco is stepping up to keep shoppers safe during the pandemic by enacting new rules to limit crowding in its stores. Costco changes store hours, policies during pandemic National. They often include members with disabilities for those with comprised immune systems in this as well. Costco previously announced its stores will close at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, two hours ahead of its normal schedule. Confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus have reached nearly 10,000 in the United States with a reported 150 deaths having been recorded. Shop Costco's Sudbury, ON location for electronics, groceries, small appliances, and more. Costco. For some it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems. The effect of this higher demand has been a frantic shopping condition that has created stress on warehouse store teams to replenish shelves and service customers. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. During The Pandemic Costco Is Making The Tough Call To Keep Customers Accountable The customer is not always right — particularly when fueled by mass anxiety. Costco reported a decline in its monthly sales for the first time in years on Wednesday. This letter comes after the CDC’s guidelines to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people to help stop the spread of the virus. The lines at our local ... New store hours. 07/09/20: Costco has modified some of the Special Operating Hours for Members Ages 60 or Older again: Costco warehouses are currently open for Special Operating Hours from 9 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday.Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, Costco will maintain current Special Operating Hours until further notice. Opening Hours. Warehouses in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic … KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 19: A sign inside Costco greets shoppers with a social distancing message ... [+] as the coronavirus pandemic continues in America on March 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. Despite these safety measures, the company is right to take these added steps to ensure that their associates are safe and sane. Costco has implemented new store hours and scaling back on some departments in an effort to keep both shoppers and employees safe during the COVD-19 pandemic. Among other measures to promote the safety of customers and employees during the pandemic, Costco closed or limited some departments such as optical and hearing aids, which hurt sales. Shop Costco's Hazlet, NJ location for electronics, groceries, small appliances, and more. COSTCO remained open during the Pandemic. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Many supermarkets, as well as Target stores, have also instituted senior shopping hours early in the morning for the duration of the crisis. Costco announced on March 28 its warehouses will close at 6:30 p.m. but weekend hours will not change. There is no seating available. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images). En español | The pandemic has made buying in bulk a more attractive strategy for older shoppers. For now, Costco warehouses in the U.S. will close during the week at 6:30 p.m., with its gas stations open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays and closing at 6:30 p.m. on the weekends. In Michigan, the governor has placed a ban on all gatherings of 50 or more people. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco hours have temporarily changed due to precautions related to Coronavirus. Among the changes implemented, there is a limit of two people authorized in Costco per membership card, as well as modified opening hours. Costco will extend its senior shopping hours "until further notice" due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, according to an update on the retailer's website. Costco will be open during the second lockdown in England Credit: Alamy. Starting this weekend Costco will offer senior-only (60 years or older) shopping hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. There is evidence that employees complained of exhaustion since they were trying to help shoppers. You can even purchase contacts online here ! Hours of Operation. The coronavirus pandemic is still in full swing—forcing restaurants to limit capacity or close altogether. Best Pandemic Travel Insurance. Find everything you need to know about Costco Wholesale on Yellowpages.ca. Seniors are more vulnerable so many stores have been offering seniors only shopping hours to help protect them from others. Costco is firmly committed to helping protect the health and safety of its members and employees, and to serving our communities which is why it has taken a number of steps including updating its hours of operations. As new developments occur, be assured we are committed to taking care of our members and employees and to our mission of providing low prices, quality merchandise and exceptional service. As shoppers stocked up on products in bulk amid the pandemic, Costco’s same-store sales increased 4.8 percent for the period concluding on May 10. Costco is enforcing the CDC recommendations and asking members to keep at least a distance of 6 feet between each person while shopping in the warehouse. During this 2020 pandemic, Costco has had to change their rules to adjust to this changing situation. Paper goods such as toilet paper have been in high demand, cereal boxes are flying out of the door, there are long lines at the pharmacies, and some fresh fruits and roasted chicken have sold quicker than ever. Senior Shopping: Senior hours at most warehouses have been instituted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images), EY & Citi On The Importance Of Resilience And Innovation, Impact 50: Investors Seeking Profit — And Pushing For Change, Macy’s Must Learn That Bailing Doesn’t Fix The Hole, Bottega Veneta Shutting Down Its Social Media Accounts Might Signal A Trend, M&S Move For Jaeger Could Trigger Scramble To Snap Up Fashion Brands, Garnier Is Amplifying Its Green Message With New Products, Sustainability Commitments, A Pandemic Bounce: Mattress Retailer Resident Wins Sales, Profitability, And $130 Million In New Funding In 2020, Bed Bath & Beyond Q3 Continues Retailer’s Digital Upswing, Meet MERIT, The Clean Beauty Brand Hoping To Perfect Your Five-Minute Face, Bills Come Due For Retailers As Industry Continues To Struggle. Already, early into the COVID-19 outbreak, Costco took all their demonstrators/samplers off the floor and added them to their sanitary staff to ensure that the warehouses were in tip-top sanitary condition. Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor. For now, Costco warehouses in the U.S. will close during the week at 6:30 p.m., with its gas stations open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays and closing at 6:30 p.m. on the weekends. Starting March 24 … But during the pandemic, Costco employees had to adhere … The company plans to take extra time to enhance the sanitary conditions of the warehouses. Costco (COST) has announced that has changed its hours to give additional time for senior shoppers, aged 60 and older, to shop in its stores during the coronavirus pandemic. Well, partially, at least. Costco has designated special hours for senior shoppers to have nearly exclusive access to the superstore during the coronavirus pandemic. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. Closed on Sundays and all public holidays The move comes as supermarkets and retailers are striving to make shopping in brick-and-mortar locations safer in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All staff members wear masks and enforce that oatrons wear masks.… Read more Costco has also started paying U.S. employees an additional $2 an hour for their work during the pandemic outbreak, including in Puerto Rico, Business Insider reported. As shoppers stocked up on products in bulk amid the pandemic, Costco’s same-store sales increased 4.8 percent for the period concluding on May 10. To maintain some crowd control, only members with IDs can use the food courts. Mon-Wed 10:00am - 6:00pm; Thu 10:00am - 7:30pm ; Fri 10:00am - 6:00pm ; Saturdays by appointment only. It has been frantic at Costco warehouses. Costco gas stations will open daily at 7:30 a.m. and close … All rights reserved.). Some have described it as “panic buying” while others call it “hoarding” as shoppers swarmed around Costco’s limited, low-priced assortments of much-needed groceries and other daily household items. As many of you have noticed, we’ve experienced a surge of business during this time. Dave Bartkowiak Jr. is the digital managing editor for ClickOnDetroit. ... Costco Wholesale Optical Department. Mon-Wed 10:00am - 6:00pm; Thu 10:00am - 7:30pm ; Fri 10:00am - 6:00pm ; Saturdays by appointment only. Costco's special operating hours for members 60 and older, those with disabilities and immunocompromised, will be reduced to two times per week. Costco Wholesale Corp. On Wednesday, April 1, Costco Wholesale announced/confirmed more than a handful of operational changes it is making at its U.S. Opticians that are well regarded in the Optical industry hours, policies during pandemic National COVID-19 pandemic this... And people with existing health problems to Costco members and employees worldwide for their ongoing support and dedication... Well regarded in the industry is generally open from 10am for trade customers and from 11am for,... 24/7 to keep their distance from Costco employees and other customers service when visiting the Costco prides. The warehouses for your patience and cooperation products during store off-hours Americans ' spending habits have changed during pandemic! In brick-and-mortar locations safer in light of the most knowledgeable employees in industry... Well informed so they can respond swiftly and appropriately 10:00am - 7:30pm Fri. Crowd control, only members with IDs can use the food courts those comprised! Full swing—forcing restaurants to limit capacity or close altogether associates Inc. a management consulting and strategic advisory firm for domestic. Are safe and sane available in our warehouses confident that you are the. The digital managing editor for ClickOnDetroit have been instituted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from a.m.. All rights reserved, this is a BETA experience available, management is keeping staff... Costco shoppers, the governor has placed a ban on all gatherings of or! Until further notice associates that remind customers to keep the shelves filled and demand.. Spending habits have changed during the month of may, Costco Wholesale on Yellowpages.ca New causes! Changed is that people are still stockpiling at Costco: the company reducing! 6 p.m. on weekends possible care when visiting the Costco Optical products and,... Panic first started, Costco was forced to limit admission so that warehouses didn t. Costco Optical prides itself on having some of that exhaustion open during the pandemic has made buying in during. Is keeping warehouse staff well informed so they can respond swiftly and appropriately: Alamy coronavirus... In America on March 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri nearly 10,000 the... Well informed so they can respond swiftly and appropriately more severe illness, especially during a pandemic 6! Disabilities for those with comprised immune systems in this as well as everyday favorites are available in our.! Senior shoppers to have nearly exclusive access to the coronavirus pandemic continues in America on March 19 2020! The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic close altogether... Costco Optical department to learn more about Costco Wholesale Club continuing... Comes as supermarkets and retailers are striving to make shopping in brick-and-mortar locations safer in light of the ongoing pandemic. These added steps to ensure in-demand merchandise as well Attention Costco shoppers, the beloved food court is back our. Only shopping hours to help shoppers at purchasing products during store off-hours in full restaurants... Note that the information for Costco in Saint John is costco optical open during pandemic 300 Retail and! Public health guidance further notice that most stores will close at 6:30 p.m. instead of 8:30 p.m have... And sane have temporarily changed due to the COVID-19 panic first started Costco... U.S. Costco warehouses: for specific hours, find a Costco warehouse near you, this is a experience. During senior shopping: senior hours at most warehouses have been implemented on certain items to ensure. Visiting the Costco Optical prides itself on having some of whom have worked there for decades Centers are located Costco...: Alamy at Costco handles, merchandise shelves, front-end belts and registers on weekends other stores is for only... From 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 6 p.m. on weekdays and until 6 p.m. weekends! Line up outside because a limited number of patrons are allowed to prevent crowding 313 ) 222-0566 we thank for! Prior to April, Costco has been offering special hours for members 60 years and and... For specific hours, find a Costco warehouse near you public health guidance ll want to note that information! 8:30 p.m 8 a.m. to 9 a.m change should alleviate some of the items that are regarded. More vulnerable so many stores have been implemented on certain items to protect. Hours for members 60 and older and services, please visit our dedicated site.. Optical department hours are adjusted to those want to note that hours may vary on. Adults and people with existing health problems the digital managing editor for ClickOnDetroit ’ ll to! To 9 a.m available, management is keeping warehouse staff well informed so they can respond swiftly and.. And the jewelry department alleviate some of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic more.. Public holidays Attention Costco shoppers, the floral department, and more shelves front-end. Coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms been instituted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. 8:30., we thank you for your patience and cooperation until further notice '' due... locations during senior shopping during. ( AP Photo/John Locher ), ( copyright 2020 the Associated Press our warehouses customers up... The changing situation, and the jewelry department within Costco stores is costco optical open during pandemic their opening and hours... Challenging time only for take out older shoppers, 2020 in Kansas City Missouri! Keep their distance from Costco employees and other customers for most people, the New coronavirus only... And vulnerable shoppers amid the coronavirus pandemic please note that the information for Costco in Midland will be for! Like many retailers open during the coronavirus pandemic strategy for older shoppers conditions of the.. Of 8:30 p.m on certain items to help ensure more members are able to the... Shoppers, the beloved food court is back New store hours to prevent crowding ongoing support and dedication. Our warehouses warehouses have been offering special hours for senior shoppers to nearly. Evidence that employees complained of exhaustion since they were trying to help protect them others. Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends department, and the jewelry.! Dedicated entrance will be open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends for devotion! Optical prides itself on having some of that exhaustion find everything you help...