Sam’s Club Unveils Bold Growth Vision at Walmart’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting

Instead of self-checkouts, Sam’s Club be trialing a new system. The members-only retailer will swap out self-checkouts in favor of Scan & Go.

(April 17, 2025) —  At Walmart Inc.’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting, Sam’s Club unveiled an ambitious long-term strategy aimed at redefining the club model and setting a new benchmark in retail. The $90 billion business, which began as an ambitious experiment more than 40 years ago, is entering a transformative era. Its goals: double membership and more than double sales and profit over the next 8 to 10 years.

Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas shared the company’s roadmap, emphasizing growth through a sharpened focus on membership, expanding digital and physical capabilities, and creating a seamless, elevated member experience.

“This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” said Nicholas. “We’re investing with intention — in our fleet, our associates, and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.”

Tech-Driven Transformation: Scan & Go and Just Walk Out

A key element of the reimagined in-club experience is the expansion of Scan & Go™ and the introduction of Just Go exit technology. Members can scan items as they shop and check out via their mobile devices, eliminating traditional checkout lines. The system uses QR codes and AI to ensure purchase verification, removing the need for exit receipt checks.

While this innovation streamlines the experience for most, it does assume smartphone access — which could present a barrier for some members, particularly older shoppers. Sam’s Club says it will continue to explore ways to ensure inclusivity as it scales these digital tools.

Investing in Growth and Scale

As part of its strategic expansion, Sam’s Club plans to open 30 new locations — with a goal of adding approximately 15 new clubs annually moving forward. In addition, all 600 existing clubs will be remodeled, following the design of the newly opened Grapevine, Texas location, which serves as a prototype for the “club of the future.”

This physical growth is matched by aggressive digital investment. Leveraging Walmart’s enterprise-level fulfillment network and technology platforms, Sam’s Club is building a national eCommerce presence that extends its reach far beyond its physical footprint.

“We are not limited by our physicality — we are enabled by it,” said Nicholas. “Our omnichannel model allows us to meet members where they are, however they choose to shop.”

A Reimagined Member Experience

Sam’s Club continues to elevate its Member Value Proposition through four core pillars: Value, Assortment, Experience, and Trust. Its Member’s Mark™ private brand — which now drives about 50% of merchandise sales growth — is a cornerstone of this effort, reflecting a commitment to quality, innovation, and price leadership.

Enhancements like free shipping for Plus members, free Curbside Pickup for Club members, and AI-powered personalized advertising have helped drive digital engagement and record-high renewal rates.

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At the heart of this transformation are Sam’s Club’s 100,000 associates. Strategic investments in wages, AI tools, and career development have boosted both operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.

“When a member has a meaningful, positive interaction with an associate, they’re more likely to renew — and stay loyal,” Nicholas said. “We’re building a culture that champions our associates as much as our members — because that’s how we win.”

Accelerating Momentum

With record membership levels and rapid growth in advertising and services, Sam’s Club is well-positioned to seize a larger share of the expanding club retail market. The company’s omnichannel strategy is especially resonating with younger shoppers, fueling long-term loyalty and shareholder value.

“We’ve laid the foundation. Now we’re accelerating,” said Nicholas. “Sam’s Club is on a mission to become the world’s best club retailer — and we’re just getting started.”