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- 9 Interesting Sam’s Club Facts You Probably Didn’t Know (financebuzz.com)
Sam’s Club Secrets: More Than Just a Warehouse Store
What started as a single warehouse in a small Oklahoma town in 1983 has blossomed into an international retail powerhouse. Sam’s Club, with its promise of savings and bulk buys, has garnered a massive following of loyal customers worldwide.
Even if you’re not a card-carrying member, the allure of those big-box membership perks is hard to ignore. But how much do you really know about this retail giant?
Prepare to be surprised!
Here are nine fascinating insights into Sam’s Club that even the most seasoned shoppers might not know:
1. Sam’s Club is HUGE – We’re Talking More Than Two Football Fields!
While you might feel like you’re covering some serious ground during your shopping trips, the numbers back it up. The average Sam’s Club spans a whopping 134,000 square feet.
That’s larger than two standard football fields! Much of this space is dedicated to inventory, but members also navigate through tire centers, optical departments, cafes, and employee-only zones, guaranteeing you’ll get your steps in.
2. Not Every State Has a Sam’s Club
Despite boasting approximately 600 locations across the U.S., a handful of states are currently Sam’s Club-free zones. Shoppers in Alaska, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington will need to look elsewhere for their bulk buys. While Alaska, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington previously had locations that closed between 2016 and 2018 due to company strategic shifts, Oregon and Vermont have never hosted a Sam’s Club.
3. Sam’s Club is Thriving in China – And It’s a Big Deal!
Beyond its strong presence in South America (Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil), Sam’s Club has made a significant splash in China. The first Chinese location opened its doors in Shenzhen on August 12, 1996, a far cry from its Midwest City, Oklahoma origins. Today, Walmart operates over 50 Sam’s Clubs throughout China, where it has become the most popular membership club, a testament to its global appeal.
4. Embracing the Future: Sam’s Club is Going High-Tech
Sam’s Club is redefining itself as “a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer.” A prime example of this technological push is their “Scan & Go” app feature, which allows members to scan items as they shop and pay directly on their phone, bypassing traditional checkout lines.
Just show your digital receipt upon exiting, and you’re good to go! The app also offers exclusive savings for users, and the company is integrating AI into its search functions to further streamline operations and reduce costs.
5. Sam’s Club Pays Dividends
As part of its parent company, Walmart, Sam’s Club contributes to impressive financial returns for investors. In 2024, Walmart increased its dividend payments by 9%, marking the largest increase in over a decade.
Furthermore, Walmart announced a 13% annual dividend raise in February, bringing the annual cash dividend to $0.94 per share for fiscal year 2026. This is the 52nd consecutive year of dividend increases, showcasing consistent financial strength.
6. You Can Shop at Sam’s Club Without a Membership (With Caveats)
For those curious about the Sam’s Club experience without committing to a full membership, guest memberships are available. However, these come with specific limitations.
Guest members can only shop online, not in-store or for curbside pickup, and they incur an additional 10% fee on their total purchase. Furthermore, these purchases are not covered by Sam’s Club’s satisfaction guarantee.
7. Same-Day Delivery is Here for Members
A convenient perk for members, Sam’s Club offers same-day delivery. Place an order online by 1 p.m., and it can be delivered to your door that very day.
Unlike third-party delivery services, Sam’s Club promises no markups on prices for this option. The service costs a flat fee of $12 for Club members and $8 for Plus members.
To qualify, members must live within a 15-mile radius of a store and maintain an active membership.
8. Sam’s Club Offers Health Insurance Solutions
Sam’s Club has partnered with SimplyInsured to assist small business owners in providing health insurance coverage to their employees. This partnership offers hundreds of plan options from national carriers, encompassing medical, dental, and vision insurance, providing valuable resources for small enterprises.
9. The 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Extends to Everything (Almost!)
Sam’s Club boasts a famously lenient return policy for its members. Their website states, “If you’re a current member and not satisfied with a purchase made online or in club, we’re happy to issue a refund or replace it, with a few exceptions.”
While certain items like cell phones, appliances, motorsport vehicles, and electronics have specific return guidelines, this guarantee largely ensures shoppers aren’t wasting money. Even better, the satisfaction guarantee extends to the membership itself – if you’re ever unhappy, you can receive a refund for your membership fees.
The Bottom Line
Sam’s Club shows no signs of slowing down, with plans to open 30 more locations across the United States. With a keen focus on technology and convenience, customers can anticipate an increased integration of AI within their local club stores. Sam’s Club understands that by streamlining operations, it empowers its customers to save even more on groceries and a wide array of other products.
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- 9 Interesting Sam’s Club Facts You Probably Didn’t Know (financebuzz.com)