Long wait lines return to Costco on week before Thanksgiving

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Grocery shoppers had to wait Wednesday to get inside the Costco on N. Nevada, bringing back memories from when the COVID-19 pandemic first started.

“This reminded me of the first couple weeks when they started closing down stuff,” said shopper Pete Bressler.

But Bressler, like many Costco customers, was willing to wait in line to get a pumpkin pie before Thanksgiving.

“About 20 minutes,” Bressler said.

At one point, the line backed up near the end of building. Irene Reveles noticed shoppers stocking up on holiday items as well.

“You could tell the carts were really full and they have a lot of Thanksgiving stuff out,” she said.

Jason Sellers grabbed Kleenex boxes while he could. Several shoppers reported paper goods were hard to come by.

“They were out of a few things like toilet paper and paper towels, which kind of feels like early pandemic times, but we got in and out with a lot of the stuff we wanted,” Sellers said.

Sellers, Reveles and Bressler each said they felt safe while inside. Costco provides shoppers with sanitation wipes for carts and now requires face masks or face shields to be worn at all times, according to Costco’s website.

“Effective Nov. 16, 2020, we will require all members, guests and employees to wear a face mask or face shield at Costco locations. Entry to Costco will only be granted to those wearing a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt,” Costco President and CEO Craig Jelinek wrote on Nov. 10.

El Paso County is currently operating under Level Orange COVID-19 restrictions. Critical and non-critical retail businesses can operate at 50% capacity with increased curbside pickup and delivery suggested. Dedicated senior and at-risk hours are also encouraged.