BENTONVILLE, AR - Technology is once again on everyone’s lips as we step into 2024. With the prevalence of AI becoming more noticeable, it’s not surprising that grocery retailers are taking up the charge and implementing it within their own operations. With an application of AI and computer vision technology, Sam’s Club brings its newest innovation to members to deliver them a seamless club exit experience.

“This is Sam’s Club at its very best, listening to feedback from members, putting their needs at the center of everything we do—and then applying digital innovations to deliver an industry-leading member experience,” said Chris Nicholas, Chief Executive Offer. “We are constantly looking at ways for Sam’s Club to be the most convenient membership club and will continue to prioritize using technology to provide a truly differentiated and delightful experience for our members.”

The new tech will deliver new levels of convenience to eliminate queuing at the club’s exit area, a press release explained. Currently running pilots across 10 Sam’s Club locations, the technology is used to seamlessly confirm members have paid for all items in their shopping carts—without requiring an associate to check.

A combination of computer vision and digital technology deployed in the exit area of the club captures images of carts and verifies payment for all items within a member’s basket. AI works in the background to continually speed the process.

The company said it will continue iterating and enhancing the technology through early 2024, intending to rapidly expand it to its nearly 600 clubs by the end of the year.

We’ll be on the lookout for the latest tech advancements hitting retail.