Costco, the popular wholesale retailer, has been making some significant changes this summer that are sure to impact its millions of members across the country. Just a month after announcing price hikes for its Gold Star and Executive memberships, Costco has now revealed that it will be implementing membership card scanners and ID checks at all of its locations nationwide.
This new policy, which was initially tested at select Costco locations earlier in the year, will require all members to scan their physical or digital membership card upon entry by placing the barcode or QR code against the scanner. Additionally, guests will need to be accompanied by a valid member in order to gain entry to the store. With both Costco membership tiers offering two membership cards, it is now more important than ever for members to remember to bring their own card with them when visiting the store.
In another major change, Costco is also requiring members without a photo on their membership card to show a valid photo ID upon entry. The company is encouraging members to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken and added to their card. While guests are still allowed to accompany members during their shopping trips, they will need to be present with the member when scanning their membership card at the entrance.
The response to these changes has been mixed among Costco members. On the Costco subReddit, some members expressed positive feedback, believing that the new policy will help alleviate issues such as long lines and confusion at the entrance. However, there have been complaints on platforms like TikTok, with some users expressing frustration over being denied entry because they were not the primary card owner.
Despite the mixed reactions, Costco is moving forward with the rollout of the membership card scanners and ID checks at all of its stores throughout 2024. This new policy is aimed at enhancing security and streamlining the entry process for members and guests alike.
As Costco continues to evolve and adapt to the changing retail landscape, it will be interesting to see how these new policies impact the overall shopping experience for its loyal members. Whether you’re a Costco enthusiast or a casual shopper, it’s clear that these changes are here to stay, so be sure to have your membership card and ID ready the next time you visit your local Costco store.