Community Chat

[Susan Louise]

This is just the beginning across the board. I'm expecting most retailers will follow suit over the next few years.

Over in Europe, they are trying to take it one step further already...trying to force having to have an ID too...

I loathe this timeline because of so many things that will be coming down the pike and we won't have any power to stop any of it.

[Venezia]

@pdlinda - I don't have a digital wallet on my phone.  Maybe some of the posters who do can explain it to you.

But, yes, I would assume Apple Pay is one example.  Venmo is another.

[elated]

I know some businesses are getting rid of self checkout due to theft. Will using the scan and go app be a problem regarding theft?  How will they know if you scanned everything? Just curious because I have never used that app.

[geegerbee]

I have never used scan and go at Sams. How does it work?

[Venezia]

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@Maizie Green wrote:

Sams is not getting rid of cashiers. They are doing away with self checkout.

I also read Costco has done an about face and is looking at the implementation of the Scan and Go like Sam’s uses. I belong to both Costco and Sam's. I love the scan and go.

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@Maizie Green - I'm not putting any links in here because it's not allowed.

But a quick google search will bring up the same information I posted initially.  There are plenty of articles about it.

Here's some of it from just one such article:

"After a successful test run in its Texas headquarters, the wholesale grocer will begin to eliminate both cashier-run checkouts and self-checkout kiosks. 

Instead, Sam's Club is going to begin using its new Scan & Go system, which prompts members to scan products using their mobile app and pay for their goods directly there. 

To keep customers honest, Sam's Club will use artificial intelligence to make sure all their purchases are what they say they are.

This will also reduce the need for employees to verify receipts at the exits.

"We continue to test and learn and will adjust to serve our members to ensure they have a delightful and frictionless experience at Sam’s Club," a spokesperson for Sam's Club told TheStreet. 

The first implementation of the new AI system began in April 2024, and Sam's Club anticipates the change will happen across its approximately 600 stores in the near future.

Sam's Club has been working hard to get members transitioned over to its app. It has also begun moving away from physical membership cards. Instead, stores are easing members into the new, digitally native system by encouraging them to use their apps when they enter the store."

[smoochy]

for ppl asking about digital wallets. I have a digital wallet on my phone containing Google Pay and my debit card which connects to my bank account. I tap my phone on the card reader at a checkout and voila-payment is made. I also keep hotel and airline rewards cards in the wallet. 

[Wildhorses14]

That is interesting about Sam's and is another big change. It is another way to track us through the app. Another new thing is AmazonOne which is supposed to scan someone's palm which then is linked to a payment method.

[Etoile308]

Unless there is someone at the exit with the physical ability to stop and detain a shoplifter, this will do zero to prevent theft. Load the cart, walk out the door. All the bells and whistles can ring, the arch can light up, and thieves can still keep walking. 

Build a smaller workforce.

[chessylady]

Because the Walton family is not rich enough. They are converting their customers into check out clerks. Convenience is being defined by the vendor not the customer.

[spumoni99]

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@SharkE wrote:

What about if you want to buy jewelry ?

It's hard enough trying to get somebody to wait on you how U gonna buy any jewelry if it's that scan and go bullnookie

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 @SharkE Since jewlery is locked up there will still need to be an associate helping you and ringing you up.  I recently bought a perfume which is in the same locked case and I had to issue purchasing the traditional way.  Just like I buy a whole cart with scan and go but I do ring up any alcoholic items at a traditional cashier.  They will never be able to do away with all associates, obviously.