In recent weeks, rumors have accumulated that have caused great anticipation among Sam's Club members. Many were expecting an important announcement that would mark a turning point for the company.
The news hasn't gone unnoticed, as it represents much more than a simple update in their services. It is a determined commitment to growth, innovation, and technological transformation of all their spaces. Sam's Club has made it clear that their vision for the future is more alive than ever.
An Ambitious Expansion and a Technological Shift
The chain, owned by Walmart, has announced an ambitious plan that includes opening 15 new branches each year and modernizing its more than 600 current establishments. Before the fiscal year ends, new openings are already confirmed in Lebanon (Tennessee) and Tempe (Arizona).
In addition to the start of construction of seven other stores, Sam's Club, which will open in the next fiscal year. The goal is clear: to increase their presence across the country and double their membership base in the next ten years, according to their CEO, Chris Nicholas.
Although the company hasn't revealed how many members they have, they have communicated that membership income grew by 13% in the fourth fiscal quarter. This figure reflects an increasing interest in the exclusive services offered by the chain. Additionally, in their most recent financial report, Sam's Club reached net sales of $90.2 billion, with a 6% increase in comparable sales, according to America Retail.
One of the most innovative aspects of this new phase is the fully digital store model. Last October, the company opened a Sam's Club location in Grapevine (Texas) without cash registers. Customers must use the Scan & Go app to scan and pay for their products from their phones, thus eliminating lines and streamlining the shopping process.
Investment, Competition, and Leadership in the Sector
This redesign allows for better use of space, dedicating areas previously occupied by registers to online order preparation and in-store pickups. Digitalization will also be applied in all future remodels and new establishments opening in the coming years. Sam's Club aims to establish itself as a modern, efficient brand focused on the needs of today's consumer.
To achieve this, Walmart will invest between $20.24 billion and $23.61 billion in infrastructure, openings, and technological development. These investments will improve logistics, apply artificial intelligence, and optimize processes from inventory to the last mile. The focus also includes personalized services and predictive analytics systems, thus adapting to each customer's shopping behavior.
The competition, however, isn't lagging behind. Costco plans to open 28 new stores this fiscal year, while BJ's Wholesale Club also wants to add between 25 and 30 establishments. Even so, Sam's Club doesn't seem intimidated. With a clear roadmap and a long-term vision, they seek to lead the evolution of the warehouse club sector with renewed strength.