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.
The latest announcement adds AI checks to the process called “Just Walk”/”Just Go” to eliminate 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 are intentionally investing in the experiences of our fleets, peers and members to become the best club retailer in the world.”
The company says it already has a “Just Walk”/Just Go” system installed in its newly opened store in Grapevine, Texas, which will “set the standard” for future clubs. 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 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 a member has a meaningful, positive interaction with the associates, they are more likely to update and are more likely to remain loyal,” Nicholas said. “We’re building a culture that supports our peers as much as our members, because that’s how we win.”
