Costco begins using verification scanners at some Ottawa stores

At least one Costco retailer in Ottawa has applied a digital card scanner for member entry, a departure from the standard in-person card verify, in an effort to crack down on customers who haven’t paid a membership payment.

Traditionally, retailer staff can be seen on the entrance entrance merely glancing on the membership card with the member’s headshot to confirm their id.

It’s unclear what number of shops have adopted the digital verification system, however the system was seen used on the Merivale Road location in Ottawa.

Costco shopper Debbie Lascelle is a longtime member who likes the retail warehouse for it selections and price-points.

She sometimes frequents the Merivale Road location and says the shop started utilizing a digital card scanner on the entrance door about three weeks in the past.

“You have to scan your membership card and your picture comes up on a screen to ensure that it’s the right person coming in,” she says.

“I think it’s a good idea. If they were having a problem with people coming in and people are misusing the cards, then I think that helps all of us.”

CTV News Ottawa reached out to Costco Canada for an interview or assertion, however has but to obtain a response relating to the scanners. However, the strikes seems to align with an identical initiative being examined at a few of its areas within the United States.

According to U.S. media releases, Costco’s scanning goals to curb non-member entry, significantly these utilizing self-check out machines.

Retail analyst Bruce Winder likened this strategy to Netflix’s latest technique of clamping-down on account sharing.

“I think the biggest reason why Costco was testing the scanners at the door is to try to minimize the amount of people who borrow someone else’s membership card and go in and get the benefits,” mentioned Winder.

Winder says a big a part of Costco’s income comes from membership charges.

The new scanning system is more likely to additionally deter non-members from accessing Costco’s cafeteria and its cheap gadgets like the favored $1.50 sizzling canine and drink combo.

Despite some potential opposition, Winder says it is more likely to see an growth of the digital scanners at entry factors.

“They do it already at the cash and I think people realize that they want to keep prices low and they want to make sure that members enjoy the benefits,” mentioned Winder.

Costco memberships will not be transferrable, however a second card might be supplied to a different particular person in the identical family. Cardholders may also carry two non-members inside the shop per go to.

Costco’s immense recognition is mirrored in its numbers.

In 2022, there have been 119 million cardholders, positioning the retail large as one of many largest membership golf equipment worldwide.