Been putting off my usual every-couple-of-weeks Costco run for a few days now. Decided to bite the bullet and just go this morning, needing milk, eggs, half and half, meat, etc. plus some snacks and stuff for my three kids. Figured they may or may not have TP or disinfectant wipes, but it would be a bonus if they did.
I arrived to the parking lot at 9:40 (they open at 10:00, but I expected there would be a crowd waiting). Parking lot was almost full. As I approached the entrance, I saw that they had blocked entry with a line of carts standing on end. People were lined up, waiting to enter, around the corner. I walked towards the end of the line, and as I turned the corner (around towards where the gas and tire departments are), I saw that the line continued for what was probably several city blocks. The length of the parking lot, then back, then down again.... zig zagging back and forth, the full length of the parking lot each time. Hundreds of people.
I decided to just wait and see what would happen when they opened. Stood by the front entrance (there were a few others with apparently the same plan of action). The store opened its doors at 9:45... 15 minutes earlier than normal. I watched and waited for 15 minutes while people streamed in, showing their membership cards. At 10:00, the line hadn't gotten any shorter. As fast as they were entering the store, people from the parking lot were joining the line. At that point, I decided I'll just go back later, hoping it's not as crazy. They'll be out of TP, bottled water, and probably a few other items, but hopefully not the majority of the things on my list. Or maybe they will be?
I have seen some pretty crazy Costco experiences. This was like nothing I've ever experienced. Call it Black Friday times 10.