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Sam’s Club, a Walmart-owned membership warehouse, has made a major difference in grocery payment systems and embraced artificial intelligence (AI).
The retail giant plans to phase out traditional checkouts across 600 stores and create a frictionless shopping experience. This involves checking the AI scanner when the customer scans the product with the app and validates the product when the customer leaves. This technology eliminates the need for receipt checks at the door.
The system, known as “Scan & Go,” was first launched in April 2024, allowing members to scan their products using SAM’s Club Mobile app.
Shoppers stock up on items at Sam’s Club in Streamwood, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/Getty Images)
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The latest announcement adds AI checks to the process, known as “Just Walk”/”Just Go” exits, eliminating the traditional checkout option.
The new plans were announced by Sam’s club president and CEO, Chris Nicholas, who outlined the company’s growth ambitions at the 2025 Investment Community Conference last week.
“This is one of the fastest and most scalable conversions happening in retail today,” Nicholas said. “We invest in the experiences of our fleets, peers and members with the intention of becoming the best club retailer in the world.”
Megan Crozia, executive vice president and chief merchant of Sam’s Club US, will speak at Venetian Resort Las Vegas on January 9, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kurozier was talking about the company’s scan and go system. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images/Getty Images)
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The company says the newly opened store in Grapevine, Texas already has a “Just Walk”/Just Go” system installed, which will be the club’s “standard setting” for the club. The new store is designed to make shopping faster, smoother and more enjoyable.
The store is designed with AI in mind and creates a better work environment for workers with upgrades in the cafe, such as vertical tire carousels, automated forklifts, pizza robots and more.
“This is a place where human-centered design and technology meet convenience and discovery and get a glimpse into the future of retail,” the company wrote in a December press release.
Meanwhile, Walmart is experimenting with AI technology to monitor risks and benefits.
The company’s main rival, Costco, has taken the opposite approach and is sticking to traditional checkout lanes only.
Sam’s Club said 100,000 peers remained at the heart of the company’s momentum.
The sign is hanging outside the Sam’s Club Store in Streamwood, Illinois. (Getty Images)
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The company said that adoption of AI tools to streamline repetitive tasks has improved both operational efficiency and related engagement, but also investments have been made in wages and career progression opportunities.
Sam’s Club said the new technology gives us more time to improve the member experience.
“If members have meaningful, positive interactions with their associates, they will likely be renewed and will remain loyal,” Nicholas said. “We’re building a culture that supports our peers as much as our members, because that’s how we win.”
