Sam’s is Remodeling But Some Michigan Shoppers Won’t Love the Changes

You're local Sam's Club store is remodeling. But while remodeling is generally considered a step in the right direction, some Michigan shoppers may not approve of the changes.

Sam's Club in Michigan

You'll typically (but not always) find a Sam's Club right next to, or in the same shopping plaza as Walmart. However, not all Walmart stores have a companion Sam's Club nearby. In Michigan, there are 23 Sam's Club locations compared to Walmart's much larger footprint of 83 stores.

Throughout the US, the members-only warehouse club operates about 600 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico.

Sam's Club is Under Construction

Over the next year, Sam's Club plans to remodel most of its 600 locations, including the nearly two dozen Michigan stores.

A fresh coat of paint is usually a good thing, but sometimes a complete store makeover can leave shoppers frustrated as they try to find frequently purchased items in new locations throughout the store.

But it's not the new placement of Dixie Cups and Macaroni and Cheese that will have some shoppers pulling their hair out.

Sam's Club is Remodeling - and Betting Big on Technology

Over the next year, you'll see checkout lanes - including self-checkout stands - disappearing at your local Sam's Club location.

According to MSN, the warehouse club is betting big on Artificial Intelligence, or AI.

The new methodology means shoppers will be forced to use Sam's Club's 'Scan & Go' technology in order to pay for their items. AI technology will eliminate the need for an associate to verify receipts as customers exit the store.

According to Supermarket News, only about one in three Sam's Club members currently use the store's Scan & Go technology, but usage has increased about 50% over the last few years.

The move will certainly frustrate some Michigan shoppers who aren't ready to embrace the store's technology or who just want to have a traditional checkout experience.