Grocery retailer Costco is testing out a new system for customers entering the store that would prevent nonmembers from shopping inside.
The move by the warehouse shopping center was first discovered in the state of Washington, where people spotted a sign informing shoppers they would be asked to scan their membership card before they could enter the store. The move is likely an attempt to cut down on nonmembers bypassing membership requirements to shop at the store because the retailer has also utilized self-checkout registers.
“A few Costco locations are scanning Costco membership cards at the entrance,” a company spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “This test is to match members to their cards at the door prior to shopping for an improved member experience.”
Shoppers are required to have a membership in order to shop at the retailer, which costs shoppers an annual fee. The fee can cost $60 a year for a standard membership and $120 a year for an executive membership.
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Costco’s previous attempt to crack down on nonmembers shopping at their stores took place last summer when customers were required to show photo identification with their membership cards at self-checkout registers.
The move by the outlet comes as rival Sam’s Club announced earlier this month that it would test a process of using artificial intelligence when customers exit their stores. The use of AI would allow Sam’s Club to eliminate the process of checking the receipts of customers in an attempt to streamline the shopping experience.
