Supermarket Sleuths: Costco quietly introduces new entry requirement for shoppers
Costco Australia has quietly introduced a new entry requirement for shoppers, the latest in a series of changes that have rolled out this year.
Costco customers now have to scan their membership cards at the entrance using self-scan card machines.
The change, which has been rolling out across Costco's 15 Aussie outlets this year, has now arrived at their Marsden Park store in NSW.
Costco customers now have to scan their membership cards at the entrance to the stores. Nine
Shoppers simply scan their physical or digital membership cards (via the Costco app) at one of the self-scan card machines set up at entrances to the stores.
Memberships are then verified by staff members monitoring the self-scan card machines.
Customers whose memberships have lapsed are directed to the service desk located near the exit to the store to renew their memberships, or they can renew their memberships this via the Costco app or website.
Memberships start at $65.
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Shoppers simply scan their physical or digital membership cards self-scan card machines. Nine
The new self-scan process is quick and simple and a big improvement on the previous entry process at Marsden Park, which saw staff members scanning individual membership cards using a hand-held scanning device.
Previously, customers only needed to show their membership cards to staff to enter stores, without membership cards being scanned.
All customers must have a valid membership to shop at Costco, and are allowed to shop with friends and family members. However only Costco members can make purchases.
Membership cards are scanned once again at the checkout.
Physical receipts are then printed and checked by a staff member as customers exit the stores.
Previously, customers only needed to show their membership cards to staff to enter stores. Nine
Costco Australia opened one new location in 2025, at Ardeer in Melbourne location. An additional Victorian outlet in Pakenham is set to open in 2027.
Costco recently partnered with DoorDash to allow those living near a Costco outlets to order items that are then delivered to their homes. This was introduced in February.
The DoorDash partnership has allowed non-members to shop at Costco, although they pay higher prices than members who use the service.
Physical receipts are then printed and checked by a staff member as customers exit the stores. Nine
Not all Costco items are available for delivery via DoorDash.
Large, bulky, or heavy items like big-screen TVs, pizza ovens, or other appliances that exceed delivery size and weight restrictions are unavailable for delivery.
Costco has begun rolling out their Christmas range for 2025, including an extensive range of Christmas decorations including indoor and outdoor fixtures, Christmas trees and Christmas lights.
Christmas cards and table decorations, hampers and gifts are also now on sale.
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Customers can also now place food orders for the festive season via Costco's website.
Costco offers special holiday platters, alongside their regular catering options.
Costco has begun rolling out their Christmas range for 2025. Nine
These include seasonal foods and holiday favourites, which can be ordered online and picked up with 48-hours notice.
These include seafood platters, sandwiches, wraps and their signature Kirkland roast chickens.
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