Costco’s High-Tech Security: New Empty Displays Leave Shoppers Guessing

In an online discussion, users detailed new security measures implemented by the major retail chain Costco. As reported by a Reddit forum member, the retailer has started a widespread initiative to remove RAM modules and graphics cards from demo gaming computers displayed in their stores.

This shift to ‘empty’ display models comes after a series of incidents where thieves extracted expensive hardware directly from operating demonstration systems. Graphics cards and memory modules, being relatively small yet priced at hundreds of dollars, have become prime targets for theft, driven by their high demand in the secondhand market.

Current photos from stores now show impressive-looking chassis with active lighting and fans, yet with completely vacant motherboard slots. An employee of the chain confirmed that theft incidents have been repeatedly recorded by surveillance cameras. Now, stores prefer to store their most valuable components off the sales floor to mitigate the risk of further thefts.

Recent crime trends in retail stores illustrate that high-value, easily portable items such as GPUs and RAM are increasingly targeted. By implementing these security measures, retailers aim to prevent financial losses, although it may affect the shopping experience as customers find themselves unable to interact with fully functioning high-tech displays. The strategy represents a trade-off between safeguarding assets and potentially impacting in-store consumer engagement and sales of tech devices.