Excited people in front of a Sam's Club entrance.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Sam's Club Responds to Costco and Issues an Urgent Statement in the United States

Sam's Club Will Transform Its 600 Stores with a Major Remodel and Expansion

Sam's Club is making a major change in its structure. The chain has announced that all its stores will be renovated, in addition to opening new locations in the coming years. The company's CEO, Chris Nicholas, detailed these plans during Walmart's investor community meeting in April 2025.

Expansion and Remodeling Plans

Sam's Club intends to remodel all its current stores, which total approximately 600 worldwide. Additionally, they will open 15 new stores each year in the coming years. These actions aim to improve customer experience and increase their market share.

Facade of a Sam's Club store with a blue sign and a play area next to the entrance.
Sam's Club's Expansion Plans | Sam's Club

One of the stores that has served as a model for this new vision is in Grapevine, Texas. This store features a "dance floor," an omnichannel space designed to transform the way members interact with products. Customers will be able to place exclusive online orders and even receive products directly at their homes.

Elimination of Traditional Checkout Points

Sam's Club has decided to eliminate traditional checkout points in its stores. Instead, customers will have areas where they can access exclusive online products and receive them at home. This measure is part of an effort to modernize the shopping experience, making it more convenient and dynamic.

The concept also includes other innovations, such as a sushi island and pharmacy, optical, and hearing services. This aims to offer members a more comprehensive shopping experience, beyond just products.

Sam's Club's Long-Term Goals

With these changes, Sam's Club has a very clear goal: to double the number of members and more than double its sales and profits in the next 10 years. The renovation of the stores and continuous expansion are the pillars of this ambitious plan.

Facades of three wholesale stores.
Sam's Club's Competition: Costco and BJ's | Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's Wholesale

Chris Nicholas assured that the transformation of Sam's Club is "one of the fastest and most scalable in today's retail." With this strategy, Sam's Club seeks to become the global leader in membership clubs.

Competition with Costco and BJ's

Sam's Club is not alone in this race. Its main competitors, Costco and BJ's Wholesale Club, are also expanding their operations. Costco plans to open 29 new locations this year, while BJ's plans to open between 25 and 30 stores in the next two years.

The three companies compete fiercely for market share, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Trade policies, tariffs, and fierce competition among them require constant innovation.

Sam's Club's Approach to Lead

Sam's Club is taking bold steps to keep its leadership. It is investing in modernizing its stores, expanding its network, and improving the shopping experience for its members. The renovation of its locations is key to achieving its ambitious growth objectives.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

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