[TulliusCicero]

People willing to pay a membership fee like Costco are probably less likely to be shoplifters, plus signing up for a membership means they have your info which further discouraged shoplifting, and then if they do catch you then it's easier to ban you from all their stores.

[nutjob2]

Shoplifters aren't going to follow any of those rules, they'll just use fake or stolen card or identities.

But I think people still do it, I don't know if they still do it but Costco would check your receipt against what was in your trolley when I shopped there, if I remember correctly (10+ years ago).

[rck]

In 2023, shrinkage at Costco was less than 0.2%, vs a US national average of 1.44%.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/costco-winning-war-against-re...

[margalabargala]

This isn't a situation that requires a social contract where they follow some rules. The ease of shoplifters "not following the rules" with fake/stolen identities will simply approach the experience of someone trying to do the same with an airline ticket.

[TulliusCicero]

> Shoplifters aren't going to follow any of those rules, they'll just use fake or stolen card or identities.

I think you'd be surprised.

And in any case, some shoplifters will obviously be dissuaded by the need to get a fake or stolen card in the first place.

[tracker1]

Costco now checks your picture against your card on entry.

[mothballed]

You don't need a card to enter nor even a friend with one. Just say you're going to the pharmacy.

They don't check at the food court, either. Wouldn't surprise me if people have stole stuff via the big pizza boxes.