The Sam’s wholesale club is a subsidiary of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. It was
established back in 1983 and opened its first store in Midwest City in Oklahoma.
Its name was inspired by the founder of the club, Sam Walton. The Sam’s
wholesale club is a members-only store which provides its shoppers the best
value for their money. Discounts and special rates are given to their patrons
for them to be able to enjoy the products that they need in a lower price. The
store operates in forty-eight of the fifty states and four territories of the
United States of America. The only two states of which it does not operate are
Oregon and Vermont. This establishment is known to serve over forty-seven million
members throughout the country.
Much like most other business entities, slogans are often used. This club
has recently changed their slogan to “Savings Made Simple” in
2009. Their main goal is to provide the best possible service to their patrons.
They are able to pass the products to the customers at a lower rate as they
cut-down on their overhead costs. With the savings that they make on their
own management, the consumers get greater value for their money.
Initially, the Sam’s wholesale club was only meant to provide service
to smaller businesses. They have renewed their business format to be able
to cater to individuals as much as they could for other entities. They have
divided their membership categories in to three; Collegiate, Business and
Advantage. They offer Plus memberships which is rather similar to having a
free twelve-month extended warranty. The great thing about their membership
programs is that they offer a 100% money-back guarantee in case a member decides
to cease their affiliation for any reason. And for those who wish to shop
in the Sam’s wholesale club before they consider membership, they can
get a one-time day pass from a number of Walmart newspaper ads. However, there
is a ten percent surcharge to be imposed on the purchases of non-members;
although these are not applicable for purchases made from the pharmacy, café,
optical shops and wines and liquors.
The Sam’s wholesale club provides a store layout which is similar
to that of a warehouse. The items are stacked in pallets and other merchandise
is displayed through steel bins. The products they sell are practically countless.
They sell the regular items which consumers seek for in a giant grocery as
well as other products which are often found in malls. These would include
designer goods, jewelry, entertainment systems, crystals and collectibles.
When it comes to food items, consumers get to enjoy various choices which
would include the conventional and organic meats and produce. This establishment
is also known to offer services such as optical shops, pharmacies, gas stations,
cafés and bakeries. These shops are open for business from 6 in the
morning until 6 in the evening from Mondays thru Saturdays and fro 8 in the
morning until 2 in the afternoon every Sundays.