Sam’s Club is giving shoppers a glimpse into the future with its latest store concept in Grapevine, Texas. As Walmart’s tech-savvy membership club, Sam’s Club is eliminating checkout lanes and embracing digital innovation. Shoppers can now scan and pay for items using the Scan & Go app, marking a significant shift in retail operations. With emerging technologies and expanded e-commerce options, this store is more than just a new location—it’s a testing ground for the future of shopping.
A Digital-Only Shopping Experience
At the heart of the Grapevine store is the Scan & Go app, which customers will use to scan items while walking through the aisles. The app replaces traditional cash registers for a quicker, more seamless shopping experience. In place of checkout counters, Sam’s Club is showcasing online-only products, allowing customers to purchase large items, such as a 12-foot Christmas tree or lab-grown diamonds, by scanning a QR code. Sam’s Club CEO Chris Nicholas says, “It’s kind of the physical manifestation of a journey we’re trying to go on as a company.”
Innovative Features and New Technology
Sam’s Club is testing several new technologies in this location, including an automatic exit system powered by computer vision and AI. Shoppers won’t need to show their receipts—this system will verify their purchases as they walk through an archway, similar to Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. As Nicholas explained, “The idea is that over time, we will be 100% digital engagement as a business, and you’ve got to prove that things work before you scale them.”
Rivalry with Costco and Expansion Plans
While Costco continues to lead the warehouse club industry, Sam’s Club is taking bold steps to catch up. In addition to digital advancements, Sam’s Club has made strategic moves like consolidating its private labels under Member’s Mark and raising employee wages. With 30 new clubs set to open over the next five years, the company is enhancing the shopping experience and expanding its reach.
Peter Keith, senior research analyst at Piper Sandler, highlighted the advantage of Scan & Go, saying, “It eliminates the most painful part of these membership clubs, which is the long lines to check out.” Sam’s Club’s 22% year-over-year e-commerce growth underscores its commitment to convenience and efficiency.
Customer Reactions and Employee Adjustments
Not all customers are entirely on board with the shift to a digital-first experience. Tiffany Zuniga, a Lyft driver and mom from Dallas, expressed some concerns, “Hopefully, they will have enough staff on hand. Sometimes, it can get dicey if you scan the wrong thing or need help.” However, Sam’s Club assures customers that staff will readily assist with the Scan & Go app and other shopping needs.
Despite the changes in technology, there will be no reduction in in-store staff. Instead, employees will take on new roles, ensuring that customer service remains a priority.
Sam’s Club is pushing the boundaries of retail with its first all-digital store in Grapevine. By integrating advanced technology and simplifying the shopping experience, the company is looking toward a future where checkout lines are a thing of the past. As customers adapt to these changes, Sam’s Club is positioning itself as a leader in digital retail, providing both innovation and convenience.
