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Walmart will open an Amazon Go-style Sam’s Club store
Walmart is continuing to copy pages from the Amazon playbook, this time with a version of its Sam's Club warehouse store where shoppers can check out by using their phones. The store, which takes some obvious influence from Amazon Go stores, will open up in Dallas under the name Sam's Club Now.
Walmart will use blockchain to ensure the safety of leafy greens
Walmart is anxious about the safety of its food following bacterial outbreaks for lettuce and other food, and it's hoping technology will set shoppers' minds at ease. It's telling its leafy green suppliers to use a blockchain system (designed with IBM's help) to track the shipments of their produce. The secure, distributed ledger will help trace the vegetables' path from the farm to the store, revealing the source of any potential outbreak in seconds instead of days. This isn't just for Walmart's internal benefit, either. Eventually, you could scan a bag and use the blockchain to find out where your spinach came from.
Walmart offers same-day delivery from Sam's Club through Instacart
To combat Amazon's two-hour PrimeNow Whole Foods deliveries, Walmart is adding a similar feature for its members-only warehouse chain, Sam's Club. Through a partnership with Instacart, customers can order food and other goods from the bulk outlet and get them delivered on the same day.
Amazon tipped to launch online wholesale store called Pantry in 2014
While Amazon has no shortage of rivals, it's now reportedly gearing up to take on big players in the warehouse store business, like Costco. According to USA Today's anonymous sources, Amazon is prepping the launch of an online service called Pantry that'll initially carry around 2,000 common grocery items to be sold at low cost. As long as you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll be able to fill a box up with Pantry goods that the retailer will ship for a nominal fee, assuming you're within the weight limit. Amazon hasn't commented on the report, so while there's no firm word on when you can start shopping in your bathrobe for month-long supplies of canned goods, sources say it'll be sometime in 2014. [Image credit: Mike Seyfang/Flickr]
32GB Nexus 7 tablets appear at retail with $249 price tag, October 29th street date
Ahead of Google's Android event on the 29th there's additional confirmation of a storage upgrade for the Nexus 7, as 32GB units have now been spotted on shelves at US retailers. Seemingly dead-set on matching the LG E960 "Mako" Nexus G for the title of worst-kept secret, we've received this photo of a tag for the new unit at a Sam's Club (with a placeholder price). Reports on Android Central and The Verge also mention hardware spotted at Staples locations, with one person actually succeeding in buying one. All of that follows a listing on the Staples website and one Japanese buyer apparently receiving one early by accident. According to the tags and receipts, the new units are scheduled to go on sale the same day as the Android event, and at the same $249 price of the current 16GB model. Now that the alleged Sony Nexus phone has been exposed as a fake we don't know if there will be any surprises left, but if you want to buy anything from Google's brand then patience (or at least shopping around) is probably your best strategy. [Thanks, Adam]
Photos of Apple's store-within-a-store at Walmart
ifoAppleStore has pictures from a Lowell, Arkansas Walmart that shows an Apple store-within-a-store like those seen in Best Buy. The display at the Walmart location focuses on mobile devices like the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. With its large backlit-signs, wood tables and live demo units, the new in-store display improves Walmart's previous efforts which were drab and not very well maintained. ifoAppleStore says these displays may be a prototype of a rumored expansion of the store-within-a-store concept to Sam's Club, a retail warehouse chain owned and operated by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Where to buy an iPad on Friday
If you missed the launch day pre-orders and want to get an iPad on Friday, you should start planning your strategy now. Like any good consumer, you'll need to decide which store will have the most iPads and the smallest line so you can maximize your chances of getting the model that you want. In the past, customers have lined up in advance and waited at least overnight to get their hands on the latest iPad. This year, it's all up for grabs because Apple had an ample supply of pre-order tablets that'll be delivered on launch day. A lot of people who wanted an iPad already pre-ordered one and will have one in their hands on Friday. If you plan on hustling down to a store on Friday, here is a list of retailers that'll have a limited supply of iPads on sale. A few pro tips: be sure to call ahead to make sure the store will be selling the iPad, get there early as sales are first come, first-served and ask about any procedures if there happens to be a line. Apple retail stores Apple confirmed today that its retail stores will open at 8 am on Friday for the big iPad launch. Lines tend to be longer at Apple Stores because that's where most people go. Apple Stores usually have the most inventory and racks of accessories for the tablet device. It's also the first retailer to open so you can always wait there first and then head to another retailer if you walk away empty-handed. Wireless carriers If you want a 4G iPad, then you might want to start at your local wireless carrier. The carrier's retail stores can sell you the device and get you setup with a data plan at the same time. Both Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless in the US will be carrying the iPad at launch. Best Buy Best Buy is a popular spot for customers to grab an iPad. The electronics chain carries a variety of Apple devices and will likely have an assortment of accessories as well. There's no indication that Best Buy will be opening early, so I would make plans to be there during normal store hours. In the past, Best Buy has used a voucher system so early comers can get a number and leave. This way they don't have to wait in line for hours. Radio Shack Radio Shack was the only third-party retailer to accept pre-orders for the iPad last week. You could buy a $50 in-store gift card to lock in a device and return on Friday to claim it. Radio Shack won't have the same stock as the Apple Stores, but it is less traveled. If you didn't pre-order, you still should call ahead to make sure they have iPads in stock. Sam's Club Sam's Club will open at 10 am on Friday and offer the new iPad to members on a first-come, first-served basis. Only select stores (store list) will carry the iPad so you'll want to call ahead and find out which stores will have available inventory. Limit one per Membership. Target Target is a another well-known retailer that'll sell the iPad on Friday, but not many people realize the store sells Apple devices. Last year, my local store still had inventory a week after launch when every other retailer was sold out. You can even trade in a working iPad and receive up to $350 in Target store credit (64GB 3G+Wi-Fi iPad 2 version). This money can be used towards the purchase of the new iPad, or any item at Target purchase. Target REDCard users will receive 5 percent savings on the purchase of the new iPad as well. Depending on where you live, finding an iPad in your local Target may be hit or miss so be sure to check ahead before trekking down to the store. Stores will be open regular hours. Walmart When you think of Apple, you don't often think of Walmart but the retailer is an authorized Apple reseller just like Target, Radio Shack and Sam's CLub. Walmart carries several of Apple's mobile and music devices and will have the new iPad on Friday. Walmart will also keep its normal store hours and will have inventory on a first-come, first-served basis. You can use the store locator to find a Walmart in your area that'll have the iPad on Friday.
Sam's Club now taking iPhone 4S reservations
If you haven't pre-ordered an iPhone 4S and really want one at launch, then you should check out Sam's Club before you start staking out your place in line. Starting today at 10:00 a.m. local time, customers can travel to the discount retailer and reserve an iPhone 4S on a first come, first service basis. All reserved iPhones will be available for pickup starting on October 14th. All you will need is a Sam's Club membership, your iTunes account information and any pertinent carrier information necessary to setup your new iPhone. The promotion doesn't say how many phones will be made available, but customers should expect the numbers to be limited as the iPhone 4S is flying off the virtual shelves. Early estimates suggest that Apple sold over one million handsets in one 24-hour period right after the pre-orders went live. [Via MacRumors]
HP TouchPad goes up for pre-order starting at $500, will be available July 1
It's true, the TouchPad, HP's inaugural webOS tablet, won't go on sale in the states until July 1, but that doesn't mean you can't claim yours pronto. She's up for pre-order at a long list of retailers that includes Amazon, NewEgg, Best Buy, Walmart, Staples, Radio Shack, J&R, Office Max, Office Depot, Costco, Sam's Club, PC Richard & Son, Micro Center, and even Nebraska Furniture Mart. You'll see it listed on HP's site, too, but the company's only accepting orders for businesses at the moment. As expected, the tab comes in two flavors: a 16GB version for $499.99 and a 32GB model that'll set you back $599.99. Both of 'em pack a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, stereo speakers, Touch-to-Share, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and, of course, a gussied-up version of webOS optimized for that 9.7-inch display. Intrigued? Hit the exhaustive list of source links below to scoop one up for yourself. [Thanks, Casey]
WiFi-only Motorola Xoom appears at Sam's Club, bearing $539 price?
You might have seen Motorola's WiFi-only Xoom popping up at European e-tailers, but it's reportedly flying the red, white and blue today, having materialized at Sam's Club in the good ol' USA. Droid-Life stumbled upon several snapshots of these Xoom Wi-Fi vouchers, with a $539 price tag hanging above their heads -- plenty cheaper than a cellular Xoom, and also slightly more affordable than a similarly specced iPad 2. Of course, Sam's Club deals in wholesale merchandise, and even should this price be accurate the tablet may not be widely available at the same rate, so don't count out $599 as the Xoom Wi-Fi's MSRP. Meanwhile, let us know if you manage to find and ring one up at the register, eh? [Thanks, Michael]
Sprint EVO Shift 4G hitting shelves at Best Buy, Sam's Club
At least two of our readers were lucky enough to encounter EVO Shift 4Gs up fro sale... one at Best Buy, and one at Sam's Club. And we've seen the receipts to prove it! Of course, between the website appearances and Amazon pre-order, it was only a matter of time, right? [Thanks, Conde and Enrique]
iPhone 4 hits new low of $147 on contract at Sam's Club this week
Radio Shack's $149 price for the 16GB iPhone 4 just got undercut by a whole two bucks. We've been tipped off to Sam's Club now offering the AT&T-locked device for a $147 fee, subject to the usual two-year agreement. This offer will run all the way until Christmas day, so if you have to have the cheapest possible fourth-gen iPhone, this'll probably be it. The 3GS is also up for grabs at a thrifty $47, emulating its younger sibling's $52 price cut. Is there anyone left who isn't discounting smartphones this month?
iPad now on sale at Sam's Club
Not only can you buy a jar full of more pickles than a human could ever eat, you can also now pick up an iPad at your local Sam's Club. Apple's magical and revolutionary device has been spotted on shelves at Sam Walton's big box supply store, and pretty cheap, too -- you can get a 16GB Wi-Fi model for just $488, $11 cheaper than it is on Apple's online store. The only problem is that you have to buy a big box of 30 at a time to get that price. No, of course we're kidding. Considering that Walmart is selling the iPad, it was only a matter of time before these showed up at Sam's Club, and the $11 off is just the discount that Sam's Club makes back whenever you pay for their membership fees. Still, if you're in the market for an iPad and have a Sam's Club card from your business or organization, eleven bucks is eleven bucks. [via Engadget]
iPad on sale at some Sam's Club stores, stuffed in between the treehouses and turkeys
If you've never been to a Sam's Club, well you're missing out on a seriously authentic American experience. The sheer quantity of goods should -- and most likely will -- overwhelm you as you cram the largest box of cereal you've ever seen into your shopping cart. Well, the cornucopia of products on offer has apparently been increased by one lately. That's right, it looks like Sam's Club is now selling the Apple iPad, according to several tips sent into 9 to 5 Mac. The pricing doesn't look bad: $488 for a 16GB WiFi-only model and $609 for the 3G model. Hey, you had to pick up a mega pack of tinsel this weekend anyway, right?
Motorola's Droid 2 in the wild, looking as blue as ever
And that, folks, is our first in the wild look at Motorola's second generation Droid. It's not officially supposed to hit retail until tomorrow, but that obviously hasn't stopped a delivery truck from unloading a few at a nondescript Sam's Club. We're still waiting to hear back on whether or not they're actually being allowed out of the store today, but hey, tomorrow ain't too far away. P.S. - Nice Sony Ericsson mat. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Sam's Club soon offering free WiFi in all US locations
Hit a Sam's Club on a weekend afternoon and you'll notice not everyone is there to stock up on raisin bran and Fruit Loops. Some come to sample the wares; running to toaster ovens staffed by kind old ladies and tearing freshly warmed Hot Pockets from their arthritic hands. Soon shoppers will have another thing to pilfer: the internet. Sam's Club is working with AT&T to add free WiFi to all its stores by November, allowing shoppers to tell their Facebook friends how many bulk packs of toilet paper they can stuff in those giant shopping carts. The store will also enable connectivity for its IPTVs so that customers can sample Pandora on the like before deciding which set to take home. No word on whether stores will feature associates pulling WiFi access codes out of toaster ovens in batches of 10 at a time, but we sure hope so -- that kind of thing just adds to the fun of the hunt.
Black Friday deals roundup, starring SonyStyle, Sam's Club, and more
It's less than 24 hours before the US Consumer Conglomerate commences its attack on the brick-and-mortar retail battlefield. We've already seen a number of outlets show their Black Friday cards, but now some of the bigger guns are revealing their specials. SonyStyle is taking a couple hundred dollars off of VAIO laptops, and offering some even deeper discounts on BRAVIA TVs. Sam's Club? Sears? RadioShack? Yep, their fliers are now out in the open. Even Canada's getting in on the fun, at least as far as NCIX is concerned. Stuff yourself full of turkey tonight, there's a war coming -- we suggest you prepare properly. Bonus: Here's a list of our most recent other Black Friday round-ups. Black Friday deals roundup: Best Buy, Lenovo, Verizon and more Black Friday deals roundup: Walmart, Target and NewEgg Black Friday deals bonanza round up Black Friday ads leaking all over town, we've rounded them up Sears Black Friday ad revealed, we'll be sleeping off our tryptophan hangovers
Black Friday ads leaking all over town, we've rounded them up
The holiday shopping season is really creeping up on us quickly this year... wasn't it just Halloween the other day? Regardless, Black Friday ads revealing the deals to come are leaking all over the internet, so we thought we'd round up a few of the less monotonous-looking bargains. So what's on offer? It looks like Sam's Club has an Acer Aspire One 10.1-inch netbook going for $197, and an HP G71 17-inch laptop with a Blu-ray player for $499, an Olympus FE-4000 12 megapixel digicam for $98, and a few other odds and ends. Meanwhile, over at Staples you can snag a 500GB Western Digital My Passport portable hard drive for $70 and a 23-inch Acer widescreen LCD for $140. If you're still up to it, you can head over to Target and grab a Nikon Coolpix S203 for $88 or a TomTom XL340S for $97. Finally, it looks like Kmart's going to have a 42-inch Panasonic 720p Plasma HDTV for $550 and a 10.1 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot W180 for $99. While you're there, don't forget to pick up a Jaclyn Smith cashmere sweater set for $30, too! Hit the read links for full ads. Read - Sam's Club Black Friday Ad Leaked Read - Staples Black Friday Ad Read - Target Black Friday Ad Read - Kmart Black Friday Ad
Sam's Club Black Friday Wii deal too good to be true?
The phones at Engadget HQ have been ringing off the hook with reports that the incredible Sam's Club Black Friday Wii deal spied the other day was, in fact, not all that it seemed. Apparently, due to a Photoshop disaster or related incident, someone swapped out the actual deal price ($425) for an amazingly low $224. We'd say this was a closed case, save for the fact that the page carrying the updated "correct" information is now down, and all we have left is a paltry Google cache link. If anyone out there in magical, mystical Internetville knows more, feel free to drop us a line.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sam's Clubs' Nintendo Wii Family Bundle packs three controller pairs and a Wii for $224 on Black Friday
Craving the gargantuan cement landscape of your local Sam's Club, mixed with the sweet prospect of scoring a Wii (and a barrel of free accessories) below MSRP? Get ready to fight for it. Come "Black Friday," that most manufactured of all shopping days, Sam's Club will be selling a $224 Wii "Family Bundle" that includes the console, three Wiimotes, three nunchuks, Wii Sports, Mario Super Sluggers and King of Clubs Mini Golf. The trouble is, naturally, these will be in "limited quantities," and at this price we're guessing they'll be pretty darn scarce -- more like a bit of bait to get you lined up at 3am and end up buying pretzels, jeans and refrigerators in bulk before going home dejected and self-loathing. This should be so much fun!
