Customer Experience

Costco shifting from self-checkout to scan-and-go, shoppers report

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April 6, 2026

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Costco is adjusting its checkout strategy, with some stores eliminating or limiting self-checkout lanes in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce theft, according to a U.S. Sun report. Shoppers have reported that certain locations are discontinuing the feature or restricting access, signaling a shift in how the retailer approaches customer flow and loss prevention.

Customer feedback suggests the transition varies by location. Some warehouses are removing self-checkout entirely, while others are modifying it by removing handheld scanners or requiring employees to assist with scanning items. In some cases, Costco is testing a "scan-as-you-shop" model through its mobile app, allowing customers to scan items while shopping but still complete transactions at a register.

Costco executives told the Sun the goal is to streamline checkout and enhance the customer experience. New systems allow employees to scan items while customers wait in line, reducing the need to unload carts at the register. The shift aligns with similar moves by retailers such as Walmart and Target, which have also scaled back self-checkout in response to theft concerns and operational challenges.