Sam's Club says goodbye to self-checkout—what it means for your next shopping trip
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For many shoppers, the self-checkout lane has become a familiar part of the modern retail experience—convenient, quick, and often the path of least resistance.
But that’s about to change for Sam’s Club members.
The warehouse giant is phasing out self-checkout machines across all 600 of its stores in a move that’s stirring up conversation and curiosity about what shopping will look like in the near future.
Whether you’re someone who prefers to scan and bag at your own pace or you simply want a smoother way to check out, this new shift is part of Sam’s Club’s bigger vision for a more connected, tech-savvy shopping journey.
And as this transition unfolds, many are wondering how it will impact their day-to-day shopping habits—especially those who’ve grown comfortable with the self-checkout routine.
A new chapter: Enter Scan & Go
Instead of traditional self-checkout kiosks, Sam’s Club is encouraging shoppers to embrace its Scan & Go system.
The idea is simple: as you walk through the store, you scan items with your smartphone using the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app.
When you’re finished, you show a QR code at the exit—and you’re on your way.
No lines, no unloading, and no extra stops.
The company sees this as more than just a speed boost.
It also gives shoppers the ability to track spending in real time and skip the usual back-and-forth at checkout.
Also read: Sam’s Club secret code leaked by insider—it predicts discontinued items!
More tech, fewer touchpoints
Sam’s Club is also rolling out AI-powered scanners near store exits to verify purchases.
That means the traditional practice of showing your receipt to an employee may soon be a thing of the past. The goal? Less friction, more flow.
That said, this shift raises a fair question: what about shoppers who aren’t as comfortable with technology?
For older customers or those without smartphones, adapting to a fully digital system might feel daunting.
The success of this change will rely on how well the company supports all of its members through the transition.
Also read: A familiar favorite just got a tasty twist—Find it at Sam’s Club shelves
Looking ahead: store upgrades and expansion
The removal of self-checkout machines is just one piece of a larger plan. Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas shared during Walmart’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting that the company plans to open 15 new stores each year and remodel existing ones with a more modern, interactive design.
Their Grapevine, Texas location is serving as the blueprint.
It includes an "omnichannel showroom" (also referred to as the "dance floor") where members can engage with products in new ways.
This flagship store also features a sushi bar, full-service pharmacy, optical and hearing centers, and other member-focused enhancements.
Also read: 4 foods to never buy at Sam’s Club—the internet has spoken!
Membership perks: what’s included
Sam’s Club offers two membership tiers:
Both levels include access to members-only fuel savings, free curbside pickup, and Scan & Go shopping.
Plus members also enjoy extra perks like free delivery, discounts on pharmacy and optical services, and Sam’s Cash rewards.
As the shopping experience becomes more digital, these added benefits are designed to make membership more valuable—both in-store and online.
At The GrayVine, we know our readers value efficiency, but also comfort and ease.
This shift away from self-checkout may feel like a big change—but it also presents new possibilities.
Read next: Walmart shopper’s overcharge nightmare—avoid this costly mistake!
What do you think about Sam’s Club’s decision to go all-in on Scan & Go? Have you tried it before? Are you excited about less time at the register, or do you miss the simplicity of checking out the old-fashioned way? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience or concerns in the comments below!
But that’s about to change for Sam’s Club members.
The warehouse giant is phasing out self-checkout machines across all 600 of its stores in a move that’s stirring up conversation and curiosity about what shopping will look like in the near future.
Whether you’re someone who prefers to scan and bag at your own pace or you simply want a smoother way to check out, this new shift is part of Sam’s Club’s bigger vision for a more connected, tech-savvy shopping journey.
And as this transition unfolds, many are wondering how it will impact their day-to-day shopping habits—especially those who’ve grown comfortable with the self-checkout routine.
Sam’s Club stores across the country are undergoing updates aimed at creating a smoother, more connected way to shop. Image Source: YouTube / WTHR.
A new chapter: Enter Scan & Go
Instead of traditional self-checkout kiosks, Sam’s Club is encouraging shoppers to embrace its Scan & Go system.
The idea is simple: as you walk through the store, you scan items with your smartphone using the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app.
When you’re finished, you show a QR code at the exit—and you’re on your way.
No lines, no unloading, and no extra stops.
The company sees this as more than just a speed boost.
It also gives shoppers the ability to track spending in real time and skip the usual back-and-forth at checkout.
Also read: Sam’s Club secret code leaked by insider—it predicts discontinued items!
More tech, fewer touchpoints
Sam’s Club is also rolling out AI-powered scanners near store exits to verify purchases.
That means the traditional practice of showing your receipt to an employee may soon be a thing of the past. The goal? Less friction, more flow.
That said, this shift raises a fair question: what about shoppers who aren’t as comfortable with technology?
For older customers or those without smartphones, adapting to a fully digital system might feel daunting.
The success of this change will rely on how well the company supports all of its members through the transition.
Also read: A familiar favorite just got a tasty twist—Find it at Sam’s Club shelves
Looking ahead: store upgrades and expansion
The removal of self-checkout machines is just one piece of a larger plan. Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas shared during Walmart’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting that the company plans to open 15 new stores each year and remodel existing ones with a more modern, interactive design.
Their Grapevine, Texas location is serving as the blueprint.
It includes an "omnichannel showroom" (also referred to as the "dance floor") where members can engage with products in new ways.
This flagship store also features a sushi bar, full-service pharmacy, optical and hearing centers, and other member-focused enhancements.
Also read: 4 foods to never buy at Sam’s Club—the internet has spoken!
Membership perks: what’s included
Sam’s Club offers two membership tiers:
- Club membership: $50/year
- Plus membership: $110/year
Both levels include access to members-only fuel savings, free curbside pickup, and Scan & Go shopping.
Plus members also enjoy extra perks like free delivery, discounts on pharmacy and optical services, and Sam’s Cash rewards.
As the shopping experience becomes more digital, these added benefits are designed to make membership more valuable—both in-store and online.
At The GrayVine, we know our readers value efficiency, but also comfort and ease.
This shift away from self-checkout may feel like a big change—but it also presents new possibilities.
Read next: Walmart shopper’s overcharge nightmare—avoid this costly mistake!
What do you think about Sam’s Club’s decision to go all-in on Scan & Go? Have you tried it before? Are you excited about less time at the register, or do you miss the simplicity of checking out the old-fashioned way? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience or concerns in the comments below!
