GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Sam’s Club shoppers should expect to see some major changes in the coming years.
President and CEO Chris Nicholas detailed some of the company’s plans during an investor’s meeting last week. Among the notable changes is that each store will be redesigned with a new layout patterned to mimic a newly opened store in Texas.
Clubs will also eliminate checkout lanes. Instead, everything will move to a scan-and-go model. Shoppers will use the Sam’s Club app on their smartphone to select their purchases while they shop. Then they will pass through a scanner as they exit the store, which will confirm their purchases.
The store plans to have several staff members on hand to help guide shoppers through the process.
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Nicholas said the changes will help deliver a “seamless, elevated experience” for shoppers.
“This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” he said in a statement. “We’re investing with intention — in our fleet, our associates and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.”
Nicholas said the changes won’t involve any staff cuts. He said that the company is instead focused on investing in its employees to cultivate a better experience for shoppers.
“When a member has a meaningful, positive interaction with an associate, they’re more likely to renew — and stay loyal,” Nicholas stated. “We’re building a culture that supports our associates as much as our members, because that’s how we win.”
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Sam’s Club already has plans to open another 30 store locations, and the company said it intends to open approximately 15 new stores annually over the coming years.
Sam’s Club did not clarify when the remodels and transition to scan-and-go shopping will start for any individual store.
