Montana Shoppers Upset Over New Costco Shopping Restrictions

When I shop at Costco, I feel like a rebel. I always sneak up and take an extra sample after already having one 5 minutes earlier. I don't even have to use a disguise. I also can count on all my fingers and toes how many times I have used Mom's Costco card for my own personal shopping.

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Gone are the days when you could run errands for Grandma and manage to get a hot dog for only $1.50. Costco is cracking down on non-members slipping into the store. The giant retailer is using AI and facial recognition to identify Costco members at the entrance. Meaning you scan your card and your photo pops up on the "greeter/gatekeeper's" iPad. If you are using Grandma's card and Grandma's smiling face is not there with you, then it is a NO GO!

According to USA Today

Any guests must come with a member who has a membership card with them, the note continued. Customers with inactive memberships will be asked to "stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop."

Members are also encouraged to get a photo taken so it can be added to their card. Otherwise, they will need to show a valid photo ID.

So basically, it is like going to a fancy nightclub. The giant bouncer at the door scans your card and then stares at it under a blacklight for what feels like an eternity before handing it back to you with an approving grunt.

I get they want to protect their memberships. But, what makes this non-member upset is that I could typically sneak into the Food Court at Costco without a card. I have feasted on many $1.50 hot dog deals without having to flash Grandma's membership card. Now Costco is cracking down on that too. NO CARD! NO HOT DOG!