Sam’s Club
In a move that signals the rapidly evolving nature of the retail landscape, Sam’s Club has become the latest major retailer to phase out traditional cashier lanes in favor of app-based self-checkout systems. The warehouse club, owned by Walmart Inc., has officially begun implementing a new policy where customers are encouraged—or in some locations, required—to scan and pay for their purchases using the Sam’s Club mobile app.
This shift is part of a broader trend across the retail industry as companies increasingly embrace automation and digital solutions to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and streamline the customer experience. With this change, Sam’s Club joins a growing list of retailers, including Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Target, that are investing heavily in self-service technology.
How It Works
At participating Sam’s Club locations, shoppers can now bypass traditional checkout lines altogether. Using the “Scan & Go” feature on the Sam’s Club app, customers scan items as they shop and then pay directly through the app. A digital receipt is generated, and customers simply show the receipt upon exiting the store, often at a staffed station for verification.
Sam’s Club has been piloting this technology for years, but the company is now taking more definitive steps toward making it the default—potentially even eliminating staffed registers in some locations. The company touts the system as faster, more convenient, and reflective of how modern consumers prefer to shop.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Retailers say that self-scan technology enhances the shopping experience by reducing wait times and empowering customers to take control of their purchase process. It also allows stores to reallocate staff to other areas, such as customer service or inventory management.
However, critics argue that the shift may come at the cost of jobs. As more stores rely on automation, cashier roles—a staple of retail employment—are being reduced or eliminated. Additionally, some customers, particularly older adults or those without smartphones, may find the tech-centered experience inconvenient or exclusionary.
There are also concerns about theft and error. While Sam’s Club and others have implemented verification stations and random receipt checks to mitigate losses, skeptics question whether self-scan systems can match the oversight and accuracy of trained cashiers.
The Bigger Picture
Sam’s Club’s move is indicative of a broader industry transformation. Retailers are racing to innovate in an increasingly competitive market shaped by e-commerce giants and changing consumer expectations. As digital tools and artificial intelligence become more integrated into the shopping experience, the traditional role of the cashier may soon become a thing of the past.
For now, Sam’s Club customers can expect a more tech-driven experience with fewer lines, faster checkouts, and more emphasis on the smartphone as the new checkout lane. Whether this shift will win over all shoppers—or raise new challenges for the industry—remains to be seen.
