Sam's Club The company said its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered exit scanners are currently installed in 120 stores.
The technology, first announced in January, eliminates the practice of forcing customers to wait in line when leaving a mass retailer to purchase items. have the receipt checked By employees.
“Sam's Club” Rapid deployment “The launch of our exit technology represents the largest deployment of AI-powered technology for members in the retail industry,” the Walmart-owned company said in a news release on Tuesday (April 30).
“The announcement that the retailer reached the milestone of deploying 20% of its clubs in the first quarter comes as other retailers have struggled to implement similar technology at scale and are abandoning their efforts. “This was done while we were still in early testing and had no plans to improve the customer experience through checkout and store exit technology,” the release added.
As mentioned here in January, the system works as follows. When a customer pays for their purchase at the register or using Sam's Club's scan-and-go technology, a combination of computer vision and digital technology in the store's exit area captures the image. Check the number of carts and confirm that the customer paid for the items in the cart.
Sam's Club said that in stores equipped with the technology, more than half of its members “have a smooth exit experience, which means all members leave the store 23% faster.” The company plans to roll out the technology to all clubs by the end of the year.
The development comes as Sam's Club and other wholesale club retailers are announcing promotions that, as PYMNTS wrote last week, “suggest they are struggling to attract shoppers.” It is being said. Regular price membership”
In recent weeks, Sam's Club and its competitors have emerged. costco and BJ's Wholesale Club Notice of member discount sale.
“In times of economic crisis, there should be favorable times for wholesale clubs that promise better deals by allowing consumers to buy in bulk,” PYMNTS writes.
And just to be clear, all three retailers reported an increase in sales. Membership income With the latest financial results.
“However, the initial hurdle of membership fees appears to be preventing many consumers from leaving their previously preferred retailers,” PYMNTS writes.
The report noted that PYMNTS Intelligence research shows that: 52% of consumers Only 44% of people have switched to lower-priced sellers when purchasing retail goods, but none have taken a similar route when purchasing groceries.
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