Walmart's CEO has announced new technological advancements at Sam's Club, the company's membership-based store. These changes could mean that Sam's Club shoppers won't need to stop for receipt checks soon.
Sam's Club to Eliminate Receipt Checks Soon
As The U.S. Sun reported, during the annual shareholders' conference on June 5, Walmart CEO and president Doug McMillon discussed enhancing the shopping experience at Sam's Club through technology improvements.
Sam's Club, a part of the larger Walmart family, is exploring using artificial intelligence to streamline the checkout process.
McMillon indicated that the company focuses on becoming more tech-powered and investing in AI and computer vision technologies. This investment allows Sam's Club members to bypass the receipt check as they leave the store.
According to Yahoo News, Sam's Club has introduced a new verification technology that eliminates the need for physical receipt checks. Already in place at 120 locations across the United States, this technology has allowed more than half of the customers to opt for this faster exit method, speeding up their departure by 23%.
This AI technology, initially revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, is expected to be available in all of Sam's Club's nearly 600 stores by year's end.
While many companies are exploring artificial intelligence to enhance shopping experiences, Sam's Club has noted that its current rollout is the most extensive implementation of AI technology directly interacting with customers in the retail sector.
Todd Garner, Sam's Club's chief product officer, mentioned that the process starts after customers pay at a register or use the Scan & Go mobile app. As they leave, an AI-powered system captures images of their cart at the exit and checks that all items have been paid for.
Garner highlighted that combining this technology with the Scan & Go system offers a seamless shopping experience, allowing members to simply walk out without delay, a significant improvement from past practices.
He added that this new exit method was developed in response to feedback from club members.
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Walmart Enhances Online and Supply Chain Tech
McMillon mentioned that the company is leveraging AI to enhance online customer experience. Specifically, generative AI is being used to refine search functions on Walmart's apps and websites, which should lead to more relevant search results for shoppers.
Furthermore, McMillon highlighted that Walmart is investing significantly in supply chain automation. These improvements are expected to streamline inventory management, making product availability and delivery times more reliable for customers.
While Walmart is focused on improving the checkout experience at Sam's Club through AI gateways, there's growing customer demand for similar technology enhancements at Walmart supercenters.
Feedback from shoppers on social media indicates a strong desire to eliminate receipt checks at Walmart, with many expressing frustration over the current process. Shoppers have shared stories of disputes over receipt checks, underscoring a contentious issue given Walmart's non-membership model.
This dissatisfaction is prompting calls for the retailer to adopt a more streamlined approach like that at Sam's Club.
Moreover, on Walmart's website, McMillon conveyed a positive outlook on the future of work and technology, urging the company's 2.3 million global associates to embrace lifelong learning.
While Walmart invests heavily in technology, McMillon emphasized that its workforce remains at the core of its operations. He underscored Walmart's dedication to providing its employees with the necessary training and tools, stating that the true key to its success lies in its people.
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