Costco has rolled out membership scanners at the entrances of its warehouses in Florida. Members are now required to scan their physical or digital membership cards using a barcode or QR code before entering. Guests are only permitted entry if accompanied by a member with a valid membership. According to Local 10, the first scanners have been installed at a store in Pembroke Pines, a city located southwest of Broward County, Florida.
The Customer Service website clarifies that there will always be an assistant available at the entrance to provide help if any issues or questions arise. Should a membership be inactive, expired, or if someone wishes to sign up for a new one, they will need to visit the service counter before accessing the warehouse.
Additionally, if a membership card does not have a photo, a valid photo ID must be presented. Members are advised to visit the membership counter to have their picture taken and added to their card. In January 2024, a trial system for membership card scanners was initially launched in select stores across the country, as reported by Local 10.
Every cardholder can bring up to two guests per visit, but only Costco members are allowed to purchase items, according to the company's website. Moreover, primary members can assign a free household card to another person living in their residence. Membership fees are crucial for maintaining low prices, as stated by the retailer, who also emphasized that non-members should not receive the same benefits as cardholders.
On September 1st, Costco raised its prices, increasing the basic Gold Star membership fee from $60 to $65 annually and the premium Executive membership from $120 to $130. Earlier this year, Costco Canada announced the implementation of membership scanners at the entrances of its stores in Moncton, starting with a trial in larger cities that was well-received by customers, reported MBS News on social media platform X.
In September, Richard Galanti, Chief Financial Officer of Costco, explained that the aim of this initiative is to streamline the entry and exit process: scanning the card upon entry eliminates the need to verify it again at checkout. The installation of scanners is also planned for all Costco locations in New Brunswick.
Recently, a Cuban TikToker living in Jacksonville shared some valuable tips on social media about how to apply for and secure a job at the well-known Costco warehouse chain for those residing in the United States. In her video, Gretter (@gretter___) outlined the step-by-step online application process, detailing each stage and offering key recommendations to increase the chances of being hired.