Costco has announced that automatic scanning devices will be added to all their warehouse stores over the next few months. The announcement comes as the new card scanning system was first introduced in Washington in January.
Scanning machines also recently spotted at a number of locations in California. The wholesale retailer said in a statement that guests who wish to shop in their stores will now have to be accompanied by a member.
Members will no longer be able to lend their cards to friends or family, even to buy things on their behalf.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” the statement said.
“Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.”
In addition, shoppers will need to show photo ID with their membership card, if it does not have a photo.
“We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card,” Costco advised customers.
CEO Ron Vahris told investors in May that scanning cards at the door has made stores more efficient.
In addition, the Daily Mail reported that restricting access to stores has helped boost profits by 29% on last year.
The addition of scanning system at entrances comes as Costco announced last month that membership fees would rise from September 1 this year.
The rise in fees will be the first since 2017 and will see annual membership cost $65.
