Costco announces first membership fee hike since 2017
Costco announced on Wednesday it plans to raise its membership fees for the first time in seven years. But one change to Costco memberships could benefit some customers.
Scripps News
Costco announced a crackdown on non-members shopping at stores by requiring customers to scan their member cards upon entering.
The retail giant is placing scanning devices at store entrances “over the coming months” that will check visitors’ membership status before they are allowed to shop, according to a statement on the company’s website. Previously, shoppers only had to present their cards while checking out at the cash register.
“Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner,” the statement read.
If a Costco card is inactive or expired, or if a customer wants to sign up for a new one, an employee at the door will direct the shopper to the membership counter prior to letting them into the rest of the warehouse. In addition, all guests must be accompanied by a current member to enter.
Customers must also be prepared to show valid photo identification if their photo is not on the card, the Costco statement read. The company encourages members to stop by the counter to have their picture taken for the card.
The latest measure comes a month after Costco announced its first price hike for members since 2017. Effective Sept. 1, the basic Gold Star Costco Membership will increase by $5 to $65 per year, while the annual Executive Membership will rise from $120 to $130.
Costco operates more than 600 warehouse locations in the United States, including 21 in New Jersey. North Jersey stores include warehouses in East Hanover, Wharton, Wayne, Clifton, Hackensack and Teterboro.