Since opening in 1983, Sam’s Club has grown to operate nearly 600 locations across the U.S. This famous warehouse club, owned by Walmart, is known for offering bulk goods at competitive prices.
Sam’s Club is boldly opening a store in Grapevine, Texas, with no traditional checkout counters.
Instead, shoppers will use the store’s Scan & Go app, a mobile checkout option that allows customers to skip the line entirely. This article will examine this new shopping experience, its benefits, and how it compares to other high-tech grocery innovations.
Sam’s Club’s New Approach to Shopping
The new Grapevine store, located just outside Dallas, is Sam’s Club’s first. Rather than the usual checkout counters, customers can scan their items with the Scan & Go app as they shop.
When they’re ready to leave, they walk out, and the app charges their purchases using a saved payment method. This streamlined process eliminates waiting in line, making shopping quicker and more convenient.
Chris Nicholas, CEO of Sam’s Club, explains that about 30% of members use Scan & Go regularly. The app has been available at other Sam’s Club locations, but this is the first time it will be the exclusive checkout option.
Additionally, nearly half of Sam’s Club members are considered “digitally engaged,” meaning they interact with the brand through mobile or online purchases.
The Benefits of Scan & Move
The Scan & Go app aims to make shopping faster and more convenient for Sam’s Club members. By removing checkout counters, the store can cater to customers who prefer quick, frequent trips for a few items rather than stocking up on bulk goods all at once.
Former Walmart executive Jordan Berke explains that this isn’t just about speeding up checkout; it’s also about enhancing the in-store experience. “It’s to create inspiration as the member walks the Club.
Sam’s Club is doing a great job of digitally adding value to every member using the app in-store,” he said.
Using the app can save time and reduce stress for shoppers. By scanning and bagging items as they go, customers have more control over their shopping experience and can customize it to fit their needs.
Security Measures and AI Scanning
While eliminating checkout counters may raise concerns about potential theft, Sam’s Club has incorporated security measures to minimize these risks. At the Grapevine store, AI-assisted scanning technology at the exits ensures that items in the cart match the ones paid for in the app.
This added layer of security helps maintain the integrity of the store’s inventory and keeps losses to a minimum.
Creating More Digital Engagement
Sam’s Club uses the extra space to promote digital engagement by moving checkout counters out. For example, the area that used to house traditional checkouts will now display online-exclusive products, further encouraging members to explore the brand’s digital offerings.
This shift reflects the growing trend of in-store shoppers who are also engaging online.
The increased focus on Scan & Go mirrors what other retailers do to integrate technology into the shopping experience. Innovations like Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and Instacart’s Caper Carts, which weigh and scan items as you shop, also aim to streamline the process and reduce friction at checkout.
The Post-Pandemic In-Store Experience
Despite the rapid growth of online grocery shopping, many customers still prefer visiting physical stores. Sam’s Club’s new approach with Scan & Go caters to this preference, providing a high-tech experience while allowing shoppers to continue selecting items in person.
This trend shows that while home delivery and curbside pickup have grown in popularity, a strong desire remains for in-store shopping.
As Sam’s Club CEO Chris Nicholas puts it, the goal is to create an experience that combines grocery essentials with unique finds. “A trip to Sam’s Club feels much more like a grocery trip that is then augmented with quality general merchandise and exciting treasure hunt items,” he said.
By allowing customers to customize their shopping journey, Sam’s Club aims to offer a well-rounded experience that encourages both practical shopping and impulse buying.
Looking to the Future Will More Stores Go Checkout-Free?
With Sam’s Club leading the charge, more retailers may adopt similar technologies to remove “pain points” from the shopping experience. Technology like Scan & Go may become increasingly common in grocery stores and other retail settings as customer preferences evolve.
The new Grapevine store is a testing ground for how customers will respond to an utterly checkout-free experience.
This model could expand to more locations if successful, making Sam’s Club one of the first significant warehouse retailers to embrace this high-tech approach fully.
Conclusion
Sam’s Club’s new checkout-free store in Texas is a step towards a faster, more streamlined shopping experience. By combining the convenience of mobile checkout with the satisfaction of in-person shopping, Sam’s Club is paving the way for a new retail experience.