🛒 Checkout-Free Shopping at Sam's Club
Sam’s Club, a subsidiary of Walmart, is launching a first-of-its-kind store in Grapevine, Texas, on October 17, 2024. This location will require customers to use the Scan & Go app for purchases, entirely removing traditional checkout counters. At 151,000 square feet, the new store replaces one that was destroyed by a tornado two years ago. This shift is part of Sam’s Club’s tech-driven strategy to streamline shopping and reduce wait times, according to CEO Chris Nicholas. “We made a decision to be people-led, tech-powered,” Nicholas explained at the Groceryshop conference in Las Vegas on October 7, 2024.
📱 Scan & Go Revolution
The key to the new store is the Scan & Go app, which has already been adopted by 30% of Sam’s Club customers chainwide. The app allows members to scan items on their phones as they shop, eliminating the need to wait in line at a checkout counter. Additionally, the Grapevine store will feature computer vision equipment at exits, which automates the process of verifying purchases. This technology not only speeds up shopping but also transforms the in-store experience. According to retail consultant Jordan Berke, the app also adds "inspiration as the member walks the club."
🚀 Changing Perceptions of Warehouse Clubs
Sam’s Club’s new approach to retail isn’t just about removing checkouts; it’s about changing the way people think of warehouse clubs. Historically known for bulk buying, the club’s current focus is on offering customers a seamless shopping experience for both large and small purchases. “The idea that the club channel is just for big and bulky items is a thing of the past,” said Nicholas. Sam’s Club is rebranding itself as a versatile option for daily and bulk shopping. About 50% of its customers are now engaged with the company’s digital offerings.
🏬 Future of Retail: Tech-Driven Convenience
Sam’s Club’s experiment in Grapevine could set a new standard for retailers. With a rapidly growing number of digitally engaged shoppers, the brand is proving that convenience and speed are essential. The Scan & Go model is one example of how the retailer is responding to consumer demand for more efficient, less frustrating shopping experiences. By embracing technology in this way, Sam’s Club aims to strengthen customer loyalty while offering a glimpse into the future of retail. "We're solving problems members are asking us to solve," Nicholas emphasized.
Will you miss checkout counters in stores like Sam’s Club?
