Costco is currently exploring new checkout technologies aimed at speeding up the purchasing process for its customers.
During the recent third quarter revenue call, CEO Ron Vachris shared that the company is testing out a “scan & go” system.
According to Vachris, the early feedback has been quite promising, highlighting its effectiveness at getting customers through checkout lines more efficiently.
He noted, “The initial results are looking good, particularly from our members.”
Many Costco fans on social media have expressed a desire for this technology, which is already available at competitors like Sam’s Club.
At present, all Costco stores feature traditional checkout lanes where members queue to buy their items, and some locations also have self-checkouts.
Sam’s Club provides a “Scan & Go” option, utilizing staff to scan digital receipts at the door, allowing shoppers to make purchases using an app.
Recently, they have started implementing AI scanners to confirm purchases as customers exit, which removes the need for manual receipt checks.
Another competitor, BJ’s Wholesale, offers a service called “ExpressPay,” where members can bypass lines by scanning their BJ’s app for quick checkouts.
Vachris mentioned that Costco is committed to advancing its technology to improve member checkout experiences, promising more pilot projects focused on this goal.
He acknowledged that the company has been asked about the “scan and go” feature in the past, and while they believe self-checkout is beneficial, they’re vigilant about enhancing the overall member experience.
As of late May, Costco has a sprawling network of 905 locations around the globe, serving over 142.8 million cardholders.
