Giant national chain store phasing out retail checkout stands in ‘big gamble’ that could pay off

Artificial intelligence may be making headway in an unexpected avenue: Retail checkout stands.

Membership warehouse Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, will reportedly be phasing out traditional check stands in favor of AI scanners. This will allow customers to experience a seamless shopping experience, scanning items as they retrieve them and paying through an app. Not only does the company save money on the staff and upkeep required to maintain checkout stands, but the customer will no longer be forced to wait in line to pay for their items. An AI scanner will verify that all items have been paid for as the customer leaves the store, also eliminating the need for receipt checks. This method, called “Scan & Go” is a big gamble for the corporation.

The phasing out of checkouts will take place across all 600 Sam’s Club locations, according to President and CEO Chris Nicholas.

“This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” Nicholas said at a 2025 Investment Community Meeting last week. “We’re investing with intention — in our fleet, our associates and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.”

A store in Grapevine, Texas has already been utilizing the “Just Walk”/”Just Go” method and is expected to set the standard for all other Sam’s Club locations in the future.

“That store is also designed with AI in mind to create a better work environment for workers with upgrades like a vertical tire carousel, automated forklifts and a pizza robot in the café,” Fox Business explained.

“It’s a place where human-centered design and technology meet convenience and discovery, offering a glimpse into the future of retail,” said the company in a December press release.

Costco, the direct competitor of Sam’s Club, has not announced intentions of divesting from human-powered checkout stands.

Nicholas is hopeful that the implementation of an AI system enhances the customer experience within his stores.

“When a member has a meaningful, positive interaction with an associate, they’re more likely to renew — and stay loyal,” he said. “We’re building a culture that supports our associates as much as our members, because that’s how we win.”

Writer/Columnist

Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.

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