A woman with a surprised expression in front of a Costco store entrance.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Urgent statement from Costco to all its members in the United States: Very unexpected

Costco has shared an important message with all their customers in the United States: the change that promises to take over

Going to Costco has always been an experience that many enjoy, from buying in bulk to taking advantage of very competitive prices. However, it is also true that the store tends to get crowded, especially on weekends, which can lead to long waits and annoying bottlenecks at the checkout. This has been a sticking point for many customers who want a faster and more comfortable experience.

Costco has announced that they are working on a solution that could completely change the way shopping is done and, above all, how customers go through checkout. The company's CEO, Ron Vachris, shared details about technology trials that promise to speed up the process and improve their members' experience.

Building with the Costco Business Center sign on the facade.
Costco tests "scan and go" technology to speed up payments | Instagram, @costco

The desired solution for long lines at Costco

One of the least pleasant aspects of visiting Costco is, without a doubt, the wait to pay. During peak hours, the aisles fill up and the checkouts get congested. Although the chain has installed self-checkout stations to speed up the process, this is not always enough to serve the large number of shoppers.

Ron Vachris acknowledged this problem and assured that the company is testing an innovative technology called "scan and go." This system allows customers to scan products with their phone as they walk through the aisles, then pay directly through an app. According to Vachris during the latest earnings call, "we've conducted tests with 'scan and go done by Costco' that have been extremely successful in speeding up transactions".

In addition, the CEO described these trials as "very positive," which indicates that the final implementation of this technology could be near, reports The Street. This development would be a significant change for the shopping experience, as it would reduce lines and the time spent waiting to pay.

Facade of a Costco store with the logo visible at the top of the building.
Customers will be able to scan the products they want to buy themselves | Costco

What does "scan and go" technology mean for Costco members?

Although the "scan and go" system promises to greatly simplify the customer's exit, Costco would keep some controls to ensure security and prevent fraud. For example, shoppers might have to go through a cart check and receipt verification before leaving. This measure, although it may seem like a nuisance, is still much more efficient than traditional long lines.

Vachris stated that this technology "can really benefit the experience of moving people through the stores more quickly." The idea is that, even if there is some control at the end, the total time spent shopping will be considerably less.

For Costco members in the United States, this is very desired news. Even though the membership fee increased last year, customer traffic has not decreased. For this reason, the company is looking for solutions that keep their users satisfied and avoid the stress of the busiest days.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

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