SEATTLE — Costco has been quietly improving and expanding its self-checkout stations across the country to help members check out faster. The company has been testing new technology to speed up the process and responding to member complaints about long lines.
Earlier this year, Costco began experimenting with a new system that lets customers scan and pay using their phones and handheld devices. The features are part of a program called Scan and Pay, which builds digital shopping lists and allows members to pay without waiting at a traditional checkout. Preliminary results from pilot stores show the changes help people queue faster.
“Our business philosophy is simple. Reduce costs and pass the savings on to our members,” the chain explains on its website.
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Costco CEO Ron Vachris said the company is committed to improving the member experience and modernizing checkout technology. Members have long said they want faster checkout lines, especially during busy times. Costco’s version of scan-to-pay incorporates ideas from similar systems used by competitors, but is designed specifically for the warehouse format.
The rollout means more Costco stores will offer these upgraded self-checkout options in the coming months.
Read the original article on cleveland.com.
