The Costco supermarket chain has just made a historic decision that has been very poorly received by its consumers. Just when they have just made a controversial change in their membership, they are now doing away with one of their most beloved sections. Do you know what it is? If you have been going these days, you may have noticed some chaos, as it is due to this measure that is spreading across the United States.
Costco´s most beloved section has now changed: customers are divided
Costco’s food courts have been going on to be a hub in many places where members have to visit the warehouse shops. Food courts are renowned for their good cheap, tasty food. This includes hot dogs, pizzas, churros, and ice cream. Thus, food courts are places shoppers go to take some rest and get some energy.
This market is known for the made-to-order meals that bring good value for the price. Also, the food courts in the market are worshipped almost as the holy shrines, and there is a passion of thousands sports fans. Customers may set off to Costco with the one and only goal of getting some good food at the food court.
New order system at Costco: more futuristic and digital than ever
In what it is believed to be the first of its kind, Costco is planning on having a new digital foodcourt ordering system. Now, customers would bypass the line-up in front at cashiers and order their food from the absolute user-friendly touchscreen kiosks.
In addition to the touchscreens for easy browsing, customers can carry out customization of their orders, and choose payment methods like credit cards or mobile payments like Apple Pay. Following placement of an order, clients are issued with buzzers that flash and vibrate as the food is ready for pickup.
It offers couple of options once you go up in terms of payment beyond the money and also helps in taking orders fast, and ultimately customers can even customize their food. Moreover buzzers prevent the overcrowding at the designated issuance areas of food.
Overall, the digital kiosk are a great tool that make the things move faster for customers and staff at Costco. Customers no longer have to bear the wrath of sluggishly moving queues. They can instead place an order within an acceptable level of time and space for themselves.
Customers´ reaction is wonderful: from critics to defendors
The new digital ordering system that was installed has got a mixed backing from customers of Costco. By contrast, lots of restaurant-goers like the quick and easy navigation of the app in which they can avoid the long lines at the food court.
Nevertheless, during the initial stages of pilot implementation, technical glitches did emerge that firefighters got upset with. Amongst customers, some found that the app was unstable, missing menu items, and wrong orders being made.
To sum up, the respondents have got generally mixed feelings that the app-based food ordering delivery will intensify the food court deals. However, it is up to us to prepare for some difficulties to overcome the malfunctions and rough corners during the changes.
One of the biggest advantages is its speed, i.e., ordering and payment takes less time as compared to traditional modes of buying products. Instead of standing in line and positioning their order to a cashier, shoppers can now order through self-service kiosks or the Costco app to order their in an instant.
The truth, in conclusion, is that the end of receipt printers at Costco is a somewhat controversial issue, and not only because it will delay customers’ purchases. Those who have also spoken out against this decision are the workers themselves, who now have the burden of having to organize people and prevent anyone from sneaking in. Do you think they will reverse this change? We are not sure.