When customers walk in to shop at Costco Wholesale, they flash one membership card to an employee who usually gives a smile and a nod before they can slide their XL cart into the big box retailer. But now the warehouse store is cracking down on its entry parameters to avoid non-members slipping in under false pretenses.
The company has come into contact with friends using someone else’s membership card to access the big store, so to combat the problem they are adding a new system on arrival.
“In the coming months, membership scanning devices will be deployed at the front door of your local warehouse. Once installed, before entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR code against the scanner.” Costco said in an online statement. “Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry.”
Customers line up to check out purchases at the Costco store on June 28, 2023 in Teterboro, New Jersey.
Kena Betancur/VIEWpress/Corbis via Getty Images
The stockist said an attendant will be at the door to help customers with questions or concerns.
“If your membership is inactive, expired or you wish to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask you to stop by the membership counter before entering the warehouse to shop,” the statement continued. “Also, if your membership card does not have a photo, be prepared to show your valid photo ID.”
Members without a photo on their card can also go to the membership desk and have their photo taken to add to the card.