The wholesaler is renovating its warehouses, but not all customers are pleased with the changes.
Bosses are removing self-checkout machines and encouraging customers to pay for items using the retailer’s scan and go payment method.
The news of the checkout change has gone viral, prompting some to question whether they will continue to use the retailer.
However, managers at one store in Corpus Christi, Texas, have issued an update to customers.
They revealed that self-checkouts and manned lanes will be available inside the warehouse for the remainder of the year, according to NBC affiliate KRIS-TV.
Sam’s Club has also confirmed that there will be options for customers who do not want to use the scan and go tool.
A spokesperson stated that workers with tablets will be available to assist customers.
However, angry members have accused the retailer, which is owned by Walmart, of imposing a 1984-style policy on its customers, according to an X thread.
George Orwell’s novel 1984 is based on a dystopian, authoritarian regime.
“Just say no to ‘scan and go’ why can not we have human cashiers?” One shopper became enraged.
“Are you trying to impose 1984 on us?”
Shoppers are concerned that adopting scan-and-go will alienate some customers.
“Please look into an alternative for us longtime customers!!!” another member pleaded.
Some enraged customers have threatened to leave Sam’s Club entirely because of the upcoming checkout change.
“Heard you are going to get rid of regular check outs and use scan and go…” a customer told me.
“We are not renewing our membership. We have disabled and elderly family members, and we do not use AI or apps… Goodbye.”
Sam’s Club membership tiers
Sam’s Club offers two levels of membership plans.
Club membership – $50 annually
- Members-only fuel savings
- Free curbside pickup on orders of $50 or more
- Scan and Go shopping
- Low members-only prices
- Extra membership card for another member of your household
- Add up to eight Club members for a reduced price of $45 each
Plus membership – $110 annually
- Club membership perks included
- Early shopping at some locations
- Free delivery on orders of $50 or more
- Free curbside pickup
- Add up to 16 Club members for a reduced price of $45 each
- Pharmacy and optical savings
- 2% Sam’s Cash back
- Early shopping at some locations
- Early access to tire and battery center services
- 50% off installation of four tires
While some shoppers are concerned about scan and go, others welcome the alternative payment system.
“Scan & Go encourages me to go to Sam’s every time,” one fan said.
“Scan and go at Sam’s Club is the best payment option at a store hands-down,” a second voice commented.
“No waiting in lines to checkout.”
Fans of scan and go have begged Costco to implement a similar measure.
Sam’s Club executives are transforming their warehouses into the stores of the future.
Grapevine, Texas, served as the inspiration for the futuristic concept.
Other features include displays for online items, and customers can scan QR codes to learn more about a product.