Last Updated:

2024-03-30 03:38:01

Sam's Club

American membership-only warehouse club chain

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American membership-only warehouse club chain

Sam's Club, owned by Walmart Inc., was founded in 1983. It ranks second in sales volume among warehouse clubs. As of 2023, it operates 599 clubs in the US, offering car wash services at gas stations in 41 locations. Additionally, it has locations in Mexico, China, and Brazil. The closure of select stores in 2018 was part of Walmart's strategy to enhance its online retailing presence.

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1983-04-07

First Sam's Club opens in Midwest City, Oklahoma

In 1983, the first Sam's Club opened in Midwest City, Oklahoma, with Ron Loveless serving as the first president. This marked the beginning of the popular wholesale retail chain's journey.

1984

Expansion of Sam's Club Chain

In 1984, the chain added eight stores, and these 11 stores brought in $225 million total that year.

1985-12-09

Sophisticated Distribution Network

An analyst for Morgan Stanley quoted in Discount Store News for December 9, 1985, described Wal-Mart's distribution network as using sophisticated systems.

1986

Transition to accepting credit cards

In 1986, Sam's Club made a significant change by transitioning from its original 'cash and carry' model to accepting credit cards, providing more payment options for customers.

1987

Sam's Club acquires SuperSaver Wholesale Warehouse Club

In 1987, Sam's Club made its first acquisition by purchasing Louisiana-based SuperSaver Wholesale Warehouse Club, expanding its presence across 13 states.

1988

Sam's Club sees a 62% increase in sales

In 1988, Sam's Club experienced a significant 62% growth in sales, reaching $2.7 billion across its 84 clubs.

1989

Sam's Wholesale Club opens first club in New Jersey

In 1989, Sam's Wholesale Club opened its first club in New Jersey in a former Two Guys/Jefferson Ward store located in Delran, marking Walmart's initial expansion into the Northeast.

1990

Name Change from Sam's Wholesale Clubs to Sam's Clubs

In 1990, Sam's Wholesale Clubs changed its name to Sam's Clubs due to a ruling in North Carolina that the chain was not entitled to the word 'wholesale' in its name. The decision to adopt the simpler name was made to avoid confusion across different states.

1991

Sam's Club expands internationally

In 1991, Sam's Club opened its first international location in Mexico City, marking the beginning of its expansion beyond the U.S.

1992

Death of Sam Walton

Sam Walton died in 1992, shortly after receiving the Medal of Freedom, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

1993

Walmart acquires PACE Membership Warehouse and converts to Sam's Club

In 1993, Walmart acquired PACE Membership Warehouse from K-mart and transformed the majority of PACE locations into Sam's Club stores.

1994

Sam's Club acquires Pace Clubs

In 1994, Sam's Club acquired 91 Pace Clubs from Kmart, significantly increasing its fleet to 428 clubs by the end of the fiscal year.

1995

Leadership Change - Joseph Hardin, Jr.

In late 1995, Joseph Hardin, Jr. became the new president of Sam's Club. However, he resigned in 1997 to join Kinko's, and was replaced by Mark Hansen.

1996

Sam's Club expands to China

In 1996, Sam's Club further expanded internationally by opening its first location in China, solidifying its presence in the global market.

1997

First Sam's Club Gas Station Opening

The first Sam's Club gas station was opened in 1997 in Wichita, Kansas, marking a new venture for the retail giant into the fuel industry.

1998

Introduction of Sam's Club

Sam's Club was introduced as a retail business, offering a better shopping experience, check out process, and value compared to other similar stores like Costco.

1999

Sales and Earnings Increase

In 1999, Sam's Club experienced an increase in sales and earnings, opening almost 20 new stores. This positive trend was supported by strong consumer spending in the late 1990s.

2000

Introduction of 'Click 'n' Pull' option on Samsclub.com

In the year 2000, Sam's Club introduced the 'Click 'n' Pull' option on their website Samsclub.com. This feature enabled members to make online purchases and choose to pick them up at the store.

2002

Sam's Club reaches 500 clubs

In 2002, Sam's Club expands its reach by achieving a milestone of 500 clubs.

2003

Sam's Club enters Canadian market in Southern Ontario

Sam's Club made its entry into the Canadian market in 2003, specifically in Southern Ontario, with most locations situated in the Greater Toronto Area and Golden Horseshoe.

2004

Sam's Club adopts RFID technology

In 2004, Sam's Club incorporates RFID technology along with barcodes to enhance stock management efficiency.

2005

Hurricane Katrina relief efforts by Sam's Club and Walmart

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Sam's Club and Walmart swiftly respond by sending over 2,450 truckloads of essential supplies, water, food, and clothing to aid the affected communities in the Gulf States and Texas.

2006-09-24

Sam's Club unveils new logo

On September 24, 2006, Sam's Club revealed a new logo featuring an updated serif font, refreshing its brand identity.

2007-09-13

Flagship club opens in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The latest flagship club opening as of September 13, 2007, was in Fayetteville, Arkansas, showcasing the continuous expansion of Sam's Club.

2008-01

End of 'Enjoy the Possibilities' slogan

By January 2008, the 'Enjoy the Possibilities' slogan was no longer in use by Sam's Club, marking the end of its promotional era.

2008-08

Opening of Sam's Club Business Center

In August 2008, Sam's Club inaugurated its first Business Center in Houston, Texas, following a concept similar to Costco's Business Centers. This specialized facility catered to business customers by offering bulk purchases and tailored services.

2009-02-26

Closure of Sam's Club locations in Canada

Walmart Canada announced the closure of all six Sam's Club locations in Canada as part of a strategic shift towards supercentres, facing competition from Costco and The Real Canadian Superstore.

2010-01-24

Layoffs at Sam's Club

Approximately 11,200 Sam's Club employees were laid off due to outsourcing product sampling duties and eliminating New Business Membership Representative positions.

2012-02-01

Rosalind Brewer becomes CEO of Sam's Club

Rosalind Brewer was appointed as the new CEO of Sam's Club, taking over the position on February 1, 2012.

2013-12

Liquidation sale of Más Club

In December 2013, the Más Club in Houston began a liquidation sale, leading to its closure in February 2014. Más Club was a club geared towards the Hispanic population with separate membership from Sam's Club.

2014-01-24

Job cuts at Sam's Club

Walmart announced the cutting of 2,300 jobs at underperforming Sam's Club locations in 2014.

2016

Introduction of Sam's Club mobile application

Sam's Club introduced a mobile application in 2016 that allowed users to scan items while shopping and pay for them, eliminating the need to wait in checkout lines.

2017-02-01

Leadership change at Sam's Club

John Furner took over as the CEO of Sam's Club, succeeding Rosalind Brewer on February 1, 2017.

2018-01-11

Closure of 63 Sam's Club Locations

On January 11, 2018, Walmart announced the closure of 63 Sam's Club locations in cities like Memphis, Houston, and Seattle. Employees were informed through a company-wide email, with some stores already liquidated. Walmart planned to convert ten of the stores into e-commerce distribution centers.

2019-11-15

Kathryn McLay Becomes CEO of Sam's Club

On November 15, 2019, Kathryn McLay succeeded Furner as the CEO of Sam's Club. She later announced plans for the company's expansion and transitioned to become the CEO of Walmart International in 2023.

2020-03

Violent stabbing incident at Sam's Club

In March 2020, a Sam's Club store in Midland, Texas, was the scene of a violent stabbing that injured three Asian family members, including two children, due to a misguided belief about the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021-04

Sam's Club 40th Anniversary Celebration

In April 2021, Sam's Club celebrated its 40th anniversary by offering new membership prices as low as $10 and providing savings for members.

2022-06

Sam's Club membership fee increase

In the summer of 2022, Sam's Club raised its membership fees from $45 to $50, citing inflationary pressures. This was the first price hike since 2013.

2023

Sam’s Club 40th Anniversary Celebration

In 2023, Sam’s Club celebrated its 40th anniversary by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. CEO Kath McLay and other leaders, along with associates, marked the occasion.

2024-01

Implementation of AI-Based Receipt-Checking Technology at Sam's Club

As of January 2024, Sam's Club introduced artificial intelligence-based receipt-checking technology in 10 stores, with plans to expand it to all locations by the end of 2024. Customers had to pass through a portal to verify purchases, enhancing security and efficiency.

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Sam's Club