Walmart customers are calling for the retail giant to introduce a new artificial intelligence (AI) system to check receipts, similar to the one recently launched by Sam's Club.
Sam's Club, which Walmart Inc. operates, has started using AI-powered machines to streamline receipt verification.
This move has led to frustration among Walmart shoppers, urging the company to implement the same technology to improve shopping efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Sam's Club Cuts Lines with AI Technology
Sam's Club, a major global retailer known for its digital innovations, has made significant strides in implementing technology that speeds up the checkout process for its members.
The company has successfully introduced an advanced system using artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to verify receipts quickly, reducing customers' time waiting in line.
According to WSAZ News, this technology was first revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January and has since been rolled out in over 120 locations.
According to the Walmart website, this new system, which aims to streamline the checkout process, has been installed in 20% of its clubs within the first quarter alone.
This rollout marks the largest-scale use of AI technology to interact directly with retail customers.
While other retailers have faced challenges in implementing similar technologies-some halting their initiatives, others only beginning pilot tests, and many not pursuing checkout enhancements-Sam's Club has made notable advancements.
The technology has significantly improved the shopping experience, offering members a smoother, quicker exit process. In clubs equipped with this system, over half of the members now enjoy a seamless exit, and the departure time has been reduced by 23%.
Sam's Club is the first retailer to widely deploy this technology and develop, design, and implement the system in-house. This system effectively addresses common customer frustrations from purchase to exit.
The company has announced plans to expand this technology to all its locations by the end of 2024, setting a new standard for customer service in the retail sector.
Shoppers Embrace Sam's Club's New AI Scanners for Faster Checkouts
Unsplash/Jonas Leupe
Customers at Sam's Club can now choose to use the Scan and Go app or the traditional checkout lanes. Upon leaving, the AI system captures images of their cart, allowing the store to verify purchases without causing delays or long lines.
This integration of technology not only speeds up the exit process but also enhances overall shopping satisfaction.
The innovation has sparked a wave of approval from shoppers, with many taking to social media to express their support. One Facebook user suggested, "Great idea. Use it for Walmart too. No more problems with employees fighting with customers who have paid for all their items."
Others echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for such technology in Walmart stores and calling for more staffed checkout options.
"Both exit technology and Scan & Go are driving new levels of convenience and raising member satisfaction," said Todd Garner, Sam's Club Chief Product Officer, in a press release reported by The U.S. Sun.
He emphasized that Sam's Club is leading the way by seamlessly integrating these systems on a large scale, transforming the checkout experience for every shopper, regardless of purchase size.
