As Easter approaches this Sunday, April 20, 2025, many are preparing for festive gatherings filled with delicious food and family traditions. For those planning a stunning garden-themed brunch, it's essential to finalize preparations, from filling and hiding plastic eggs to baking cakes and picking up the traditional ham. However, with the holiday just around the corner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As the saying goes, don’t bite off more carrot than you can chew, and remember to take a Peep break along the way!
But if you’re among those who put off shopping until the last minute, you might be in a bit of a scramble. Unfortunately, Sam's Club, a popular choice for bulk grocery shopping, will be closed on Easter. This closure means that if you realize mid-recipe that you've run out of butter or need a last-minute ingredient, you’ll have to wait until Monday when the store reopens for regular business hours.
In contrast, Trader Joe’s will remain open on Easter, offering an opportunity for last-minute shoppers to grab delightful treats. For instance, their Carrot Mini Sheet Cakes could save the day for those who forgot to prepare dessert. So, while the Easter bunny may be taking a break, there are still options available for those who need to make a quick stop.
On a different note, Sam's Club is making headlines for another reason entirely. The wholesale giant is shaking up the retail landscape by announcing a significant shift in its checkout process. Following a successful pilot program in Texas, the company is set to eliminate all self-checkout kiosks and traditional checkout lanes across the nation, opting instead for a new "Scan & Go system." This innovative approach allows shoppers to scan items using their mobile app and pay instantly, streamlining the shopping experience.
The initial rollout of this cutting-edge AI-driven system began in April 2024 at a location in Grapevine, Texas. The technology utilizes image recognition to validate purchases as customers exit, effectively eliminating the need for receipt checks. Sam's Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas emphasized the importance of this transformation during a recent investor day, stating, "This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today." He added, "We're investing with intention - in our fleet, our associates, and the member experience - to become the world's best club retailer."
As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Sam's Club aims to double its membership and significantly increase sales and profits over the next eight to ten years. This plan includes the inauguration of 30 new locations and the revamping of all existing 600 clubs. In addition to physical expansion, the retailer is also focusing on enhancing its digital presence, leveraging Walmart's infrastructure to improve its e-commerce platform. Recent updates include free shipping for Plus members and curbside pickup for club members.
Despite the excitement surrounding these advancements, some members have expressed concerns about the transition. Grant Grisham, a Sam's Club member, noted that while he is comfortable with the Scan & Go system, he worries about older customers who may struggle with the technology. "That's probably the biggest concern, really. Older people are not really up to date on modern technology," Grisham remarked.
Another shopper, Ivan Rodriguez, shared his preference for a hybrid system that combines traditional checkout options with the new technology. "I think that it will be better to have a mix," he commented. This sentiment highlights the challenges that retailers face as they navigate the balance between innovation and customer comfort.
As Easter festivities loom and Sam's Club prepares for a new era of shopping, consumers are left to weigh their options. For those who plan ahead, Trader Joe’s offers a reliable alternative for holiday shopping, while Sam's Club's new initiatives promise a modernized shopping experience for the future. Whether it's a garden-themed brunch or a quick grocery run, the key takeaway is to plan ahead and adapt to the changing retail landscape.
