COSTCO shoppers were not impressed with the retailer’s updated app.
On June 24, the Costco app rolled out an update that reportedly allows shoppers to check which products are in stock — a feature that shoppers have been requesting.
“In this release, app users get a redesigned Warehouse tab with a new available stock search feature, allowing members to search product inventory in the warehouse,” said the update description read.
Before the update, Costco shoppers had to stop by the retailer in person or call their local store to check if a certain item was in stock.
Since the app launched in 2012, Costco fans have asked the retailer to include an inventory search feature.
Costco heard them loud and clear.
The warehouse club has been teasing plans to add an inventory search feature since last year.
In March, company executives revealed that there were only a few months left since the feature’s launch, but did not provide an exact date.
While many have celebrated the app’s long-awaited update, they may have to wait a little longer.
Even after updating the app, customers say they can’t find a way to view inventory.
However, Walmart has been offering a similar feature to its customers since 2014, for a Press release.
The retailer’s app has a Search My Store feature that allows shoppers to search for a product and where it is located in the store.
‘I JUMPED THE GUN’
Consumers say Costco has tough competition.
“Sam’s Club totally blows Costco away with app-based self-checkout,” said one user on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Now, you don’t even have to stop for the seller to scan your code and the items in your cart. They installed a new scanner that tracks your app or something.”
Another X user said they are confused by the lack of information about the updated version.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at several locations were made available only to Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed at specific times and more cashiers were offered in its place.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting would fuel the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would thwart fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, this test has been discontinued.
At Target, items are being limited in auto-checkout.
Last fall, the brand researched new express self-checkout lanes in 200 stores with 10 items or less for added convenience.
In March 2024, this policy was expanded to 2,000 stores in the US.
“Oh man! This is a really cool update to the @Costco app…too bad they jumped the gun and it’s not live/no mention of it or how to use it via the what’s new tips,” they tweeted.
VERIFIED
Costco’s app isn’t the only thing being updated.
In 2013, Costco essentially eliminated its self-checkout registers, but brought back express lanes six years later.
Consumers regularly complain that Costco’s self-order kiosks are a hassle.
Sometimes shoppers with expensive items have to wait for an employee to scan their items, even in self-checkout lines.
One buyer said that while they were checking out, they were unaware of the rule that prevented them from using the machine’s handheld scanner.
They said an employee took the scanner from them in the middle of checking out and reprimanded it.
Shoppers say Costco’s self-checkout rules are incredibly ambiguous and frustrating.
The US Sun has reached out to Costco for comment.
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