Sam's Club deals a major blow to all its members in the U.S.: new changes

In an effort to modernize its shopping experience, Sam's Club has decided to make another major change to its payment policy. The membership store chain has implemented the mandatory "Scan & Go" payment system in its cafeterias, which has caused some commotion among members.

This change at Sam's Club means that shoppers will no longer be able to use traditional methods, such as cash or cards, in some of its areas. Instead, they will have to pay exclusively through the club's mobile app.

This adjustment is not the first of its kind. Sam's Club had already implemented the "Scan & Go" system in its main stores in April 2024, and now the chain has decided it will also be mandatory in cafeterias. Although some members have supported the measure, many others believe that human contact is being lost in favor of technology.

Sam's Club customers criticize this decision

The implementation of "Scan & Go" has caused a wave of criticism. Many customers complain about the lack of traditional payment options and the reliance on technology. Some say that the online system is confusing and impractical, especially for older people who are not used to using mobile apps. Comments on social media have been filled with frustration, and some members have announced that they will not renew their memberships because of these changes.

However, there have also been those who defend the measure. They argue that the system is fast, easy to use, and allows them to avoid long checkout lines. These shoppers point out that the process is more efficient, especially for small purchases in cafeterias, and believe that this kind of technology is the future of shopping.

What is the future of "Scan & Go" at Sam's Club?

Sam's Club CEO Chris Nicholas has defended the transformation, assuring that the change is part of a much broader strategy to improve the member experience. According to Nicholas, the company's omnichannel model allows members to interact with the store in whatever way they prefer, whether online or in the physical location. "We are investing intentionally in our fleet, our associates, and the member experience," he stated.

Although the "Scan & Go" system has been well received by some, the reality is that challenges still remain. Sam's Club members will have to adapt to this change, and the chain hopes that over time it will become the norm in all its locations. For now, the future of payments at Sam's Club seems to be literally in the palm of your hand.