Costco Australia has rolled out a new membership card scanning system across its stores, a move that aims to enhance security and streamline customer entry. This shift, quietly introduced this year, is now live at the Marsden Park store in New South Wales and will soon be implemented nationwide. The change follows a series of updates designed to improve the overall shopping experience while ensuring that only paying members benefit from Costco’s exclusive services.
For many Australian shoppers, the sight of a Costco membership card has long been a symbol of access to bulk discounts and warehouse deals. However, the days of simply showing a card to enter the store are over. According to reports, the warehouse giant has introduced self-scan machines at store entrances, requiring members to scan their physical or digital membership cards before entering. Staff members are stationed to verify memberships and assist with any issues. This move comes amid increasing concerns about non-members entering Costco without proper validation and rising incidents of shoplifting.
Streamlined Shopping Experience and Enhanced Security
The new entry process aims to streamline the shopping experience for Costco’s 15 Australian outlets. Shoppers now use self-scan machines at the entrance to verify their membership, which can be done via a physical card or through the Costco app. This is a significant departure from the previous process, where staff used hand-held scanners to check memberships.
According to Costco, the new system was introduced to combat the rising incidents of shoplifting. In several cases, groups of individuals had entered the stores and stolen items, sometimes overwhelming security staff. By adding an extra layer of verification before customers enter the shopping floor, Costco hopes to limit such incidents. Moreover, the self-scan technology also addresses concerns about membership sharing, as the new process reduces the chance of non-members using a family or friend’s card.
Membership Renewal and Benefits for Seniors
For Costco members whose memberships have lapsed, the process for renewal has also been simplified. Lapsed memberships are flagged during the scan, and customers are directed to the service desk to renew their membership or can opt to do so online via the Costco app or website. This system eliminates the frustration of discovering an expired membership after already starting a shopping trip.
This new system is expected to benefit all shoppers, including seniors, by reducing crowding and offering a more controlled environment. The self-scanning kiosks are designed with large, clear screens, and staff are available to provide assistance, ensuring that the process remains accessible, even for those less familiar with technology. Furthermore, Costco’s recent collaboration with DoorDash now allows for home delivery, providing a convenient option for customers who prefer shopping from home, particularly seniors with mobility challenges.
