Sam’s Club Unveils Bold Plan to Ditch Checkout Lanes: What This Means for Shoppers

Sam’s Club is shaking up the grocery shopping experience by introducing exciting new technology. The Walmart-owned membership warehouse plans to phase out traditional checkouts in all its 600 locations. Instead, customers will use an app to scan items as they shop. An AI system will then verify the scanned goods at the exit, eliminating the need for receipt checks. This system, called “Scan & Go,” was first rolled out in April 2024.

Recently, Chris Nicholas, the president and CEO of Sam’s Club, shared details about this new approach at the company’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting. He described it as a big, fast change for retail. “We’re investing in our fleet, our associates, and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer,” he said.

The newly opened store in Grapevine, Texas, is the first to implement this innovative technology and aims to set a standard for the future of shopping at Sam’s Club. The store is designed to provide a quicker, smoother, and more enjoyable experience. It features not only the AI system but also other upgrades like automated forklifts and even a pizza-serving robot in the cafe.

Walmart is actively experimenting with AI technology, looking at both its benefits and risks. However, Sam’s Club’s main competitor, Costco, is sticking with traditional checkout lanes, showcasing a different strategy in the retail world.

What’s the impact of these changes? According to recent surveys, many consumers express a preference for tech-enhanced shopping experiences that save time. A report from the National Retail Federation indicates that 75% of shoppers would use mobile checkout if available. This aligns with Sam’s Club’s move to make shopping more efficient.

Critically, Sam’s Club emphasizes that its 100,000 associates play a vital role in this transition. The adoption of AI tools not only boosts operational efficiency but also enhances associate engagement. The company focuses on supporting its workers through higher wages and career advancement opportunities.

“When a member has a meaningful, positive interaction with an associate, they’re more likely to renew and stay loyal,” Nicholas noted. This focus on creating positive experiences for both customers and employees highlights a growing trend in retail where employee satisfaction is linked to customer loyalty.

As retail continues to evolve, Sam’s Club is stepping into the future while ensuring that it supports those who make the shopping experience possible — its associates. With technology and a commitment to excellent service, Sam’s Club is showing how the retail landscape is changing.

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