Costco is testing a new checkout system that could allow some shoppers to complete transactions in as little as eight seconds, the company's chief financial officer Gary Millerchip has announced.
Under the pilot programme, employees scan customers' items while they are still waiting in line using a handheld device. By the time the customer reaches the register, all items appear on the screen, requiring only a quick payment step. The approach is similar to how busy drive-thrus handle peak hours by taking orders ahead of time.
Millerchip said early results show the system is improving traffic flow and customer satisfaction, with shorter lines and faster transactions. “We are also piloting automated pay stations that will allow members to pay for their pre-scan orders seamlessly with an average transaction time of around eight seconds,” he added.
Costco is also testing a “Scan & Go” checkout system via its mobile app, allowing customers to scan items as they shop and pay in the app, then present a QR code at the exit. The changes aim to tackle long queues, a major customer complaint, while catching up with competitors like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
