LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Scanners that check memberships have made their way to Lehigh Valley's only Costco Warehouse.
The company announced in a statement in July that scanning devices would be implemented to check memberships at store entrances "over the coming months."
The scanners were in place this week at the Lower Macungie warehouse at 791 N. Krocks Road.
"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."Costco statement
An employee also was seen Monday using a handheld scanner at the store entrance.
"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 company statement says.
The device appears to show the photo of the membership holder for employees to check.
CBS News reported the move in May as one intended "for cracking down on non-members who shop at their stores."
The wholesale company reportedly made $4.6 billion from membership fees in 2023, according to its annual report — an 8% increase from the year before — with a membership base of nearly 128 million cardholders.
It also had a 90% membership renewal rate worldwide, and 92.7% in the United States.
'Essential' for business
The report says Costco's cash flow is "primarily" from net sales and membership fees.
"Our failure to maintain membership growth, loyalty and brand recognition could adversely affect our results of operations," the report says.
"Membership loyalty and growth are essential to our business."
"If your membership is inactive, expired or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop."Costco statement
CNN also reported that Costco said in a separate statement, “We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members."
LehighValleyNews.com reached out to Costco for comment via phone call and a media request and did not hear back.
In the same online statement about the scanners, Costco said guests shopping at the warehouse must be accompanied by a valid membership-holder for entry.
"If your membership is inactive, expired or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop," Costco said.
Customers can buy a Costco membership online or in person. An executive membership costs $130 a year and a gold star membership $65 a year.
