“Attention, Costco shoppers: Those free samples are about to make a complete comeback. The retailer revealed during its third quarter earnings call it will bring back full sampling as well as its food court and seating, in another sign of the U.S. slowly shifting toward normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard Galanti, chief financial officer and executive vice president at Costco, said the retailer will introduce full sampling in phases. About 170 of Costco’s approximately 550 locations will bring back full sampling by the first week of June, with the rest of locations returning to full sampling by the end of June. Last summer, Costco brought back free samples after suspending the initiative due to the pandemic. However, they were limited to prepackaged items kept behind plexiglass shields” – USA Today.