The coronavirus has changed almost everything about our world, including how we shop and feed our family. In these days of rarely shopping — and bulk buying when we do — it seemed a trip to Costco was in order. I had many questions, and wondered whether it was a good idea. I’m sure it varies by location, and by date and time, but here was my experience:
Will there be a line to get in to Costco?
I arrived at 9:50 am. The website said they would have special hours for senior citizens from 8 to 9, so I thought it might open at 9 for the rest of us. As far as I could tell, they were not letting us in until 10 a.m.
When I arrived, there was a line to get in down the side of the building. I picked up a cart, and then was directed through the parking lot almost the full length of the building, to then get in line to get in. There were about 50 people in front of me. Once they opened at 10 a.m., I got right in.
You can find your local Costco hours here.
Will people be wearing masks at Costco?
When I went it had been about 4 days since President Trump recommended that everyone wear non-medical grade masks when in public. Our governor, Mike DeWine, echoed this request. So I had on my cloth mask, with a coffee filter insert.
I was very surprised that only about half the shoppers had masks on.
Will Costco have what I need?
We all know about the shortage of certain items during this crisis, especially toilet paper. When I entered Costco, they had a sign showing what in-demand items they have, and what is depleted:
You can see that on the day I was there they had toilet paper and paper towels, but no wipes or hand sanitizer.
Obviously that is not a complete list. I went hoping to get their 3-packs of chicken, either breasts, tenders, or thighs. They had NO fresh chicken (not frozen) at all, other than rotisserie chicken. They did have frozen chicken.
Will it be crowded at Costco, and will people respect social distancing?
When I went, Ohio Governor DeWine had recently ordered that retail establishments limit the number of shoppers inside at any time. Costco is doing that by limiting the number of people who may enter on one membership card, and also be limited the number of people inside.
I did not feel crowded when I was in there, and the shoppers seemed to respect social distancing guidelines. When I left, there was a short line to get in, and they let a new shopper in as each person left.
What should I buy at Costco?
I bought toilet paper, wine, milk, frozen meat (hamburger patties, chicken breasts), produce (including a delicious whole pineapple), LaCroix, and lots of fresh meat — I shopped for 3 neighbors, and everyone was looking for excellent meat to serve for Easter dinner. I bought a beef tenderloin, fillets, a rack of lamb, baby back ribs, and some prime-quality steaks. None of that was cheap, but it was great to be able to get good-quality meat, and to find what I was seeking.
And don’t forget their cheese and prepared food. I got sandwich cheese, grated parmesan, and the wonderful Costco chicken salad. And lots of snacks, which will come in handy for all the boredom eating we’re doing.
I also snagged toilet paper, Clorox bleach cleaner, paper napkins, and trash bags.
Should I go to Costco?
It depends one how many people are currently in your household, and whether you are trying to avoid frequent trips to the grocery store. It was terrific that Costco had many of the items I haven’t been able to find at the grocery store, like napkins, toilet paper and paper towels. The meat case was terrific, especially in comparison to the picked-over meat at the grocery store.
I also couldn’t get everything I need, as they have what they have, and it is in enormous quantities.
If you feel like you need a trip to Costco, it is definitely doable. I did not find long lines, and it did not feel any riskier than a trip to the grocery store.
Looking for ideas for dinner during this challenging time?
