Sam’s Club has revealed plans to implement artificial intelligence (AI) technology at its store exits, phasing out traditional receipt checks. This development aims to address the issue of long lines at store exits, streamlining the process for members. The announcement was made by Sam’s Club Chief Merchant Megan Crozier during a keynote speech at CES 2024, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The new exit system, developed by in-house Sam’s Club engineers, utilizes a combination of computer vision and digital technology. It involves capturing images of a customer’s cart at the exit to verify the purchased items. The implementation of this AI-based solution is expected to eliminate the need for manual receipt checks and expedite the exit process for customers.
Crozier emphasized that the technology is designed to handle a wide range of items, from smaller purchases to more extensive shopping carts. The AI system is intended to provide a seamless and efficient experience for Sam’s Club members across thousands of items.
Sam’s Club, a subsidiary of Walmart, plans to deploy this AI-based exit technology across all its 600 stores nationwide by the end of 2024. The move is part of the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the convenience and overall shopping experience for its members.
Sam’s Club CEO Chris Nicholas highlighted the club’s dedication to using technology to create a differentiated and enjoyable experience for members. The introduction of AI at store exits aligns with the broader industry trend of incorporating technology to optimize retail operations and improve customer interactions.
While the focus of this technology is on enhancing the checkout experience, it also raises questions about its potential impact on preventing theft. With the increasing adoption of self-checkout options in retail, some stores have experienced higher rates of product loss. Factors contributing to product loss include theft as well as customer errors, such as unintentional missed scans during self-checkout.
The application of AI at store exits represents an innovative step in addressing these challenges. The technology’s ability to quickly and accurately verify purchased items may contribute to reducing product loss by ensuring that all items in a customer’s cart are properly accounted for.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI technologies like this one demonstrates the industry’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and provide an improved shopping experience for consumers.
Sam’s Club’s move towards AI-driven exit verification reflects a broader trend in the retail sector, where technology is increasingly becoming a key driver of operational enhancements and customer satisfaction. The full implementation of this AI-based exit solution will be closely watched for its impact on the checkout process, customer convenience, and potential contributions to loss prevention strategies.