According to a study by Zebra Technologies, 80% of retail decision makers believe staffed checkout areas are becoming less necessary due to new technologies automating checkouts.
Costco's earnings climbed more than 19% in the first quarter and revenue rose 10.2% to $35.07 billion, as construction at its first location in China is underway.
With comparable-store sales for the third quarter down 5.3%, interim CEO and CFO Joe Anto said the company is focused on inventory and assortment to reverse the trend.