Grapevine, TX – In a bold move set to reshape the retail landscape, Sam’s Club has announced it will remove all self-checkout machines from its nearly 600 stores across the United States. The decision is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience, replacing traditional self-checkout with the chain’s increasingly popular Scan & Go technology.
The announcement was made by Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas during Walmart Inc.’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting. Nicholas called the transition “one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today.”
Goodbye Self-Checkout, Hello Smart Shopping
The Scan & Go system, which was initially launched in April 2024, allows members to use the Sam’s Club mobile app to scan items as they shop, pay directly from their phones, and exit the store without stopping at a register. Upon leaving, an AI-powered scanner verifies purchases — eliminating the need for receipt checks at the door.
“This is a game-changer for convenience and speed,” Nicholas said. “We’re investing with intention — in our fleet, our associates, and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.”
While the move is expected to reduce wait times and modernize the shopping process, it does rely heavily on smartphone access — which could present challenges for some customers, particularly older shoppers less familiar with app-based technology.
New Stores, New Look
Alongside the digital shift, Sam’s Club is embarking on an aggressive expansion plan. The company will open 15 new stores annually “for the foreseeable future,” in addition to 30 already-announced locations. All existing stores will be remodeled to reflect the chain’s new flagship store in Grapevine, Texas.
The revamped design features a futuristic “dance floor” — an omnichannel showroom designed to give members hands-on interaction with products. Other upgrades include expanded food offerings like a sushi island, and full-service pharmacy, optical, and hearing centers.
As Sam’s Club continues its evolution, the retail industry is watching closely. With mobile-first shopping and AI technology leading the way, the future of checkout might just be no checkout at all.
