Sam’s Club is preparing to open its first all-digital store in Texas, eliminating traditional checkout lanes and introducing a new shopping experience.
The store, which is set to launch in mid-October, will require customers to use the Scan & Go app to scan and pay for items on their smartphones while shopping, as reported by CNBC.
This innovative store format will replace cash registers with displays featuring online-only products, including unique items such as large Christmas trees and lab-grown diamonds. With the redesign, employees will have approximately four times more space to prepare eCommerce orders for curbside pickup and home delivery.
“It’s kind of the physical manifestation of a journey we’re trying to go on as a company,” said Sam’s Club CEO Chris Nicholas during a preview of the store.
The new location aims to serve as a testing ground for emerging technologies, further aligning with the retailer’s commitment to digital engagement.
In recent years, Sam’s Club has implemented various technological advancements, including AI-powered checkout systems that identify items in customers’ carts, enabling them to leave without a staff member verifying their purchases. This approach represents an effort to streamline the shopping process and reduce wait times.
The Dallas-area store is reopening after being closed for nearly two years due to tornado damage. Nicholas emphasized that the new features will create an environment that simulates future shopping experiences.
“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,” he explained.
Despite these advancements, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the limited payment options available at Sam’s Club, particularly the absence of Apple Pay. In response to customer feedback, the company has acknowledged the need for improvement in payment methods.
As the opening approaches, Sam’s Club is taking steps to ensure customers feel comfortable using the new technology. Employees will be available to assist shoppers in downloading the app and navigating the store.
