U-turn at Sam's Club: Their Latest Decision Affects 600 Stores in the United States

Sam's Club, Walmart's membership warehouse chain, has made a decision that will change the shopping experience in its stores. This measure will affect the chain's 600 stores in the United States and aims to transform the way customers shop.

The change involves eliminating traditional checkout counters to adopt a more agile and frictionless system. Customers will be able to scan their products using a mobile app while walking through the store, allowing them to move quickly. Additionally, product verification will be done through artificial intelligence at the exit, eliminating the need for employees to check purchase receipts.

Technological innovation: the future of payments at Sam's Club

The "Scan & Go" system, launched in 2016, allowed Sam's Club members to scan products with their mobile app. This system was the foundation of the new technology, which now also incorporates "Just Go," an artificial intelligence that automatically validates products when leaving the store. With this new tool, customers will no longer need to go through a traditional counter.

This change was officially presented at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show. Chris Nicholas, president and CEO of Sam's Club, highlighted that this is one of the fastest and most scalable changes in retail. The investment in this type of technology aims not only to optimize the customer experience but also to drive the company's growth globally.

Revolution in stores: a new approach for employees

The "Just Go" system has already been implemented in the Grapevine, Texas store, which will serve as a model for the chain's future, according to Fox Business. The store has been designed to make shopping faster, more convenient, and enjoyable. Additionally, this establishment incorporates technological innovations aimed at improving employee conditions, such as a vertical tire carousel, automated forklifts, and a robot that prepares pizzas in the café.

Sam's Club has emphasized that its 100,000 employees remain essential to the company's success. The incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed for the optimization of repetitive tasks, improving both operational efficiency and employee engagement. Additionally, the company has made investments in wages and professional development opportunities for its workers, seeking to offer them a more enriching work experience.

Despite technological advances, Sam's Club still considers human interactions to be key. According to Nicholas, when members have a positive interaction with employees, they are more likely to remain loyal to the brand. This way, the company seeks to create a culture that benefits both employees and customers, which is essential for its growth in a competitive market.