- Costco launched a pilot program with a new way for customers to check out.
- The new program allows shoppers to scan and pay with the Costco app.
- Many shoppers are sharing mixed feelings about the move.
On any given trip to Costco, I can typically count on battling crowds and long lines as I attempt to checkout. And as much as I love snagging deals on bulk toiletries and groceries, I can’t deny that waiting in line is one of the few downsides that come with my Costco membership. Recently, the wholesale retailer has set out to alleviate all of that.
In June of last year, Costco CEO Ron Vachris shared during an earnings call that the brand began rolling out pilot scan and go checkout programs at select locations, according to FOX Business. “We’ve seen some very, very early results have been very positive and great adoption from our members, seeing that as well,” Vachris reportedly said at the time.
The scan and go technology will allow shoppers to scan items through the Costco app as they shop and then pay through the app as well. The app will then produce a QR code that will be scanned upon exiting the store, RetailWire.com reported.
Though avid shoppers have expressed mixed feelings about the pending change.
“I remember when Sam’s first rolled this out several years ago and I’m laughing at all the people still waiting in their long, inefficient lines,” one person wrote in a Reddit thread detailing Costco’s move. “Nice, I can combine my favorite feature of Sam’s, with my preferred store Costco. It’s a win win,” another person added. “Yeah when this is common place I might try switching [to Costco]. The reason I exclusively use Sam's and never consider Costco is that I definitely don't have the time or usually the patience for Costco,” a third person shared.
It’s not currently clear when the program will be rolled out nationwide, but I’m personally anticipating shorter waiting time because of it.
