Self-checkout counters returning to Costco stores in SoCal

  • 2019-10-27
Costco is implementing plans to have more self-checkout counters in several stores across South California.

One of the latest Costco stores to have a self-checkout counter is located in Tustin. According to the company, close to 100 of its stores now use the self-checkout aisles. The plan is to have them in more than 250 stores over the next few months. Graphic designs and poster printing are sometimes used to show people how to use these counters.

This news comes as something of a surprise to some because Costco got rid of self-checkout counters back in 2013. The company tested them out as a way to get rid of long lines at manned registers, however it changed course when tests showed that the employees at the tills could have performed better. During a conference call where he explained the decision to reinvest in self-checkout counters, Costco CFO Richard Galanti said the concept of self-service works best in locations with a high volume of customers.

New technology is making self-checkout easier. Consumers now use contactless credit cards and other Forms of digital payment which make self-checkout counters move faster. Other warehouse companies such as Amazon and Macy’s are already offering shoppers ways to pay using their smartphones. Some of these retailers have employees checking receipts at the exits.

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