Will Costco become the most strict members-only club in history?
Major retailers have announced plans to check membership cards as shoppers enter their stores in the coming months.
Wholesalers will install scanning devices at store entrances, allowing membership verification that previously had to be done at the register to be done automatically at the entrance.
“Once implemented, all members will be required to scan their physical or digital membership card by holding a barcode or QR code over a scanner before entering,” the announcement explained.
Members who do not have a photo on their Costco membership card will be required to show photo identification and are encouraged to update their card to include a photo at the membership desk.
Guests are allowed in but must be accompanied by a cardholder.
The automated process has been implemented at multiple locations in Washington state and California, and has been used in the UK for several years.
Stores in New York, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania have confirmed that the device will be available soon, but have not announced an exact timeline.
Costco membership benefits include free samples, discounts on food, gas, home insurance, travel and groceries, plus 2% annual rewards back on eligible purchases at its warehouses.
“We don’t think it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and prices as members,” a spokesman previously said. He told Business Insider.
The company says the new scanners have also improved the checkout process and parking space turnover.
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The new membership card scanners come as national chains are cracking down on membership sharing and pushing for technology updates amid rising membership costs.
Leaders shared plans to introduce more technology in stores and add options like buy online and pick up in store.
The company also announced that it would increase annual membership fees for customers in the United States and Canada for the first time in seven years, effective September 1st.
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The new policies helped boost profits, which rose to $1.68 billion in the third quarter ending May 2024, a 29% increase from the previous year. Fox News reported.
But don’t worry, Costco lovers: Your $1.50 hot dogs are safe.
