Sam's Club is taking an innovative step that could transform the shopping experience across the United States. Instead of traditional cash registers, the chain has opted for an artificial intelligence-based system that eliminates the need to go through the checkout. This technological revolution, which is already underway, aims to make shopping faster, smoother, and more convenient.
The end of traditional checkouts at Sam's Club
In December 2024, Sam's Club opened a store in Grapevine, Texas, which became the first establishment of the American chain to implement this advanced system. In this new model, customers can scan and pay for their products directly from the mobile app, without needing to stop at a conventional checkout. This technology promises to completely change the way shopping is done in stores, speeding up the process and reducing lines.
The new shopping experience: "Just Walk"
Sam's Club's new system, called "Just Walk" or "Just Go," allows shoppers to make their purchases and leave the store without needing to go through a checkout. Through the app, users can pay for their products, and upon exiting, an artificial intelligence scanner verifies the items they have purchased. This technological solution is part of the American chain's long-term vision to improve the customer experience and reduce the time spent shopping.
Chris Nicholas, president of Sam's Club, highlighted the importance of this innovation at the latest investors' meeting in 2025. "This is one of the fastest and most scalable transformations in current retail," Nicholas stated. The company also noted that this change is part of its effort to become the best retail club in the world.
Technological innovations in Sam's Club stores
The Grapevine store is not only pioneering the use of artificial intelligence for the payment process but also includes some other technological innovations. Among them, the use of a vertical tire carousel, automated forklifts, and even a pizza-making robot in the café stand out. These improvements not only streamline processes but also allow employees to focus on more important tasks.
The goal of these innovations is to create a more efficient work environment and offer a more comfortable and attractive setting for shoppers. Sam's Club hopes that this approach will boost customer loyalty, as members who have a positive experience are more likely to renew their membership.
Competition with Costco and the future of retail
While Sam's Club moves forward with this transformation, its main competitor, Costco, has decided to stick with the traditional cash register model. The difference in approach between the two companies highlights the change occurring in the retail sector. While Sam's Club seeks to be a pioneer in technology integration, Costco resists making the leap to automated solutions.