Sam’s Club, the membership-based retailer owned by Walmart, is ushering in a new era of grocery shopping by integrating artificial intelligence into its checkout process. The company is set to eliminate traditional checkout lanes in all 600 of its U.S. locations, replacing them with a streamlined, frictionless system. Shoppers will use a mobile app to scan items as they shop, and an AI-powered scanner will automatically verify purchases as they exit—removing the need for manual receipt checks at the door.
Sam’s Club Unveils AI-Enhanced Checkout System to Streamline Shopping Experience
Sam’s Club is taking its checkout experience to the next level with an upgrade to its “Scan & Go” system—originally introduced in April 2016—which lets members scan items using the Sam’s Club mobile app while they shop. The latest evolution of the system introduces a new AI-driven layer called “Just Go,” designed to eliminate the need for traditional checkout lanes entirely.
The retailer announced the upgraded technology at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, marking a significant step in its move toward a fully frictionless shopping experience. The new AI exit system automatically verifies whether all items in a customer’s cart have been paid for, removing the need for associates to manually check receipts at the exit.
Previously, members were required to line up at the exit so that specialists could review receipts and inspect carts—a process many described as inconvenient, particularly during high-traffic periods. Feedback consistently pointed to long wait times at the club’s exits as a major frustration. Sam’s Club listened and responded with technology designed to speed things up and improve overall satisfaction.
Now, after a member completes payment—either through Scan & Go or at a register—a blend of computer vision and digital technology at the club’s exit captures images of the cart and confirms that every item has been paid for. This AI-backed solution not only accelerates the checkout process but also frees up staff to focus on delivering better service and enhancing the overall member experience.
With AI continually learning from thousands of exit transactions across multiple locations, Sam’s Club says it will keep refining the system as it expands nationwide.
The initiative was highlighted by Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas during the company’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting, where he emphasized the bold direction of the retailer’s growth:
“This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” Nicholas said (via FOX Business). “We’re investing with intention — in our fleet, our associates and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.”
The company’s newest location in Grapevine, Texas, is already outfitted with the “Just Go” system and is being positioned as a model for future stores. Designed with speed, efficiency, and convenience in mind, the store offers an upgraded shopping environment powered by AI.
Sam’s Club’s AI-Powered Checkout System Shows Promising Results
Since its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024, Sam’s Club has successfully implemented the AI-powered exit system, featuring computer vision and real-time verification, in more than 120 locations. This marks the largest-scale rollout of member-facing AI technology in the retail sector to date. While some competitors have only begun pilot programs—or have abandoned them altogether—Sam’s Club has already reached 20% deployment across its U.S. clubs in just the first quarter of the year.
The results have been immediate and measurable. In stores where the AI technology has launched, over half of the members are now experiencing seamless, queue-free exits. This has led to a 23% reduction in the time it takes for members to leave the club, directly addressing one of the most common customer pain points.
Sam’s Club is already seeing positive outcomes from its rollout of AI-driven checkout technology, with early data pointing to faster exits and stronger member satisfaction. As previously mentioned, the new system frees up valuable time for associates to focus on delivering a better customer experience.
“When a member has a meaningful, positive interaction with an associate, they’re more likely to renew — and stay loyal,” explained Nicholas. “We’re building a culture that supports our associates as much as our members, because that’s how we win.”
Will AI-Powered Checkouts Lead to Job Cuts at Sam’s Club?
As Sam’s Club moves forward with phasing out traditional checkouts in favor of AI-powered systems, questions around potential job cuts have naturally followed. However, the company emphasizes that its workforce remains a vital part of its strategy.
Sam’s Club said its 100,000 associates remain central to the company’s momentum. Rather than replacing jobs, the retailer views artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance the workplace. By automating repetitive tasks, AI has not only increased operational efficiency but also created opportunities for associates to focus on more meaningful and engaging responsibilities.