Is this the future of shopping?
Sam’s Club is moving forward with plans to phase out traditional checkouts, incorporating a new AI-powered “Just Walk” or “Just Go” exit system aimed at streamlining the shopping process.
The initiative was detailed by Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas during the company’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting. Nicholas emphasized the strategic nature of the company’s investments, stating, “This represents one of the fastest and most scalable transformations in retail. We’re investing with purpose — in our stores, our people, and the overall shopping experience — to become the leading membership-based retailer globally.”
The company’s recently opened location in Grapevine, Texas, is already using the “Just Go” technology. Designed with efficiency and customer satisfaction in mind, the store is intended to set a benchmark for future locations. The site also incorporates innovations meant to support staff, such as automated forklifts, a vertical tire carousel, and even a robotic pizza maker in the café.
In a press release from December, Sam’s Club described the store as a showcase for how technology and thoughtful design can combine to create a modern and engaging retail experience.
While Sam’s Club embraces automation and AI integration, its competitor Costco is opting to maintain conventional checkout methods. Walmart, the parent company of Sam’s Club, continues to test various AI applications while evaluating potential benefits and drawbacks.
Sam’s Club, with a workforce of around 100,000, stressed that employees are at the core of its ongoing evolution. The company noted that automating repetitive tasks has led to higher operational productivity and better staff satisfaction. These advances have been accompanied by investments in wages and professional development opportunities.
According to Nicholas, freeing up employees from routine duties allows them to focus more on delivering excellent service. “When members have a positive, personal experience with our associates, they’re more inclined to stay with us,” he said. “We’re fostering a culture that supports both our team members and our shoppers — because that’s the key to long-term success.”
