Sam's Club makes an urgent decision in the United States and leaves Costco behind

Sam's Club, the renowned wholesale store chain, is once again at the center of debate among American shoppers. For years, it has competed directly with Costco, its strongest rival in the wholesale shopping segment. Now, a recent measure has caused surprise and mixed reactions among its millions of members.

The company has decided to implement a change in its food area: from now on, it will offer whole pizzas to go, something that until recently was only available by the slice. Additionally, it introduces an exclusive car pickup service, which eliminates waiting in lines. This decision, which directly affects the shopping experience, seeks to position its café at the level, or even above, that of Costco.

Competitive Advantage in the Food Area

For years, Costco has been the favorite in terms of quick food options, thanks to products like the "chicken bake" or the iced coffee. Although Sam's Club also offered snacks and pizzas by the slice, it couldn't match that variety or the convenience of its rivals. This new strategy completely changes the landscape.

Now, with whole pizzas ready to go and the possibility of picking them up from the vehicle, Sam's Club directly targets the needs of the modern customer. The price is expected to keep competitive, around $9.94, just one cent below Costco's whole pizza. This measure not only saves time but can also attract those who prioritize efficiency, according to All Recipes.

Another improvement is the extension of Sam's Café hours, which will now remain open while the store is operational. Previously, it closed an hour earlier, making it difficult for night shoppers to access these products. With this extension, the possibilities expand for those who shop at the end of the day.

A Shift That Also Creates Tensions

Despite these improvements in the physical experience, Sam's Club has made another decision that has caused anger among its Plus-level members. Starting August 18, free shipping will no longer apply to all orders. Only purchases over $50 can avoid an additional $8 shipping charge.

Many customers have expressed their displeasure on social media, as they consider that benefit was one of the main reasons for paying the $110 annual membership fee. The company hasn't clearly explained how this new limit improves access to more products, as suggested in its statement. This lack of information has increased frustration among users.

Additionally, some members have pointed out that the online platform has issues with discounts and prices, which forces them to contact customer service. Although Sam's Club allows for a proportional refund of the Plus membership, the discontent has led many to consider a definitive switch to Costco. Thus, while it gains ground in one area, it could be losing it in another.