Costco is testing big change to checkout as customers rank it a top worry

Core Insights - Costco is testing a new checkout technology called "Scan & Go" to enhance the checkout experience for its members, addressing a significant concern among customers [1][10] - CEO Ron Vachris reported positive early results from the tests, indicating strong member adoption and satisfaction [2][7] - The company aims to improve the member experience further by exploring additional technology pilots for faster checkout processes [7][10] Checkout Technology - The "Scan & Go" technology allows customers to scan items as they shop and pay through an app, similar to offerings from competitors like Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale [4][5] - Traditional checkout lanes and some self-checkout options are still available at all Costco locations [3][11] - The technology has reportedly been successful in expediting transactions and reducing wait times for customers [1][9] Competitive Landscape - Competitors such as Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale have implemented similar technologies, with Sam's Club offering a "Scan & Go" option and BJ's providing "ExpressPay" for quicker checkouts [4][5] - The competitive pressure from these retailers highlights the importance of Costco's initiative to adopt new technologies to retain and attract members [2][4]