Could Shorter Lines Be Coming to Costco in Maine?

If you’ve ever felt your soul slowly evaporate while waiting in a never-ending line at one of the big box stores? You’re not alone—and change might finally be on the way at Maine's only Costco location in Scarbrough.

According to the NY Post, Costco has been quietly testing a “Scan & Go” style checkout system, which basically lets you skip the traditional checkout lane and scan your items on your own. The system is reportedly “extremely successful” at getting customers out the door faster, which is good news for those of us who go in for eggs and leave two hours later with a kayak, 200 AA batteries and enough snacks to get you to 2026.

NY Post said that Costco CEO Ron Vachris confirmed during a recent earnings call that they’ve seen “very positive” early results and that members are quickly embracing the tech. No official word yet if or when we will see their new experiment up this way—but fingers crossed that Scarborough is on the list.

Currently, Costco’s setup is old school: standard checkout lanes and some self-checkout options—but none of that Sam’s Club-style “Scan & Go” wizardry. If you've ever used Sam’s Club’s app, you know how slick it is: scan items as you shop, pay in the app, flash a digital receipt on your way out, and boom—you’re free.

Other retailers are already ahead of the game. BJ’s Wholesale, for example, has an “ExpressPay” system through its app, which also lets you scan and skip the line.

Will Maine’s one and only Costco get the upgrade? No confirmation yet—but based on member demand and the tests so far, shorter lines may be coming sooner than later.