Latest news with #Sam'sClub
Miami Herald
6 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Sam's Club unveils rare, fresh take on a classic dinner favorite
Low price, convenient options, high-quality products, and saving money by buying in bulk - these are the features often praised by millions of Sam's Club loyal members. It all started four decades ago, when the most notable business leader of that time, Sam Walton, wanted to help other small business owners succeed. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Knowing firsthand the challenges small businesses face, Walton opened the first Sam's Club in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Fast-forward 42 years, and Walmart's (WMT) Sam's Club has expanded its offering to meet the everyday living needs of most consumers, and not just small businesses. It operates about 600 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, plus locations in China. At the core of Sam's Club's philosophy is the membership value, just like at Costco, its biggest rival. Both chains are membership-based, which suggest they are generally competing for new members in places where they both have their clubs. Once they engage loyal members, they need to fight for member renewals, which is why they constantly upgrade their offerings. And Sam's Club's newest product comes directly as a result of member feedback. Sam's Club on July 1 unveiled a premium and convenient meal solution - Member's Mark 12" Artisan Margherita Pizza. What's so special about yet another frozen pizza is that its dough is actually made in Italy. Answering customer demand, Sam's Club focused on making and providing an Italian-style pizza with artisan crust made from scratch in Rome with high-quality Italian flour. It's hand-stretched and partially baked on stone and then shipped to the United States. Related: Costco brings back controversial perk, dividing loyal shoppers Let's face it, when you're craving a real pizza, there's only one place in the world - Italy. I still remember the taste of one slice of Margherita I had in Venice more than 20 years ago. And it wasn't even at a fancy restaurant; it was something like a fast-food kiosk, and very affordable. Still, it was far more flavorful than any other pizza I'd had in my life. It was pure magic. Back to Sam's Club's new pizza with dough from Italy. Once it arrives, it gets covered with its signature sauce - also made from scratch - featuring tomato, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. More Food News: Iconic fast-food chain begins an unlikely comebackHershey creates new guilt-free candy that's a dream comboMcDonald's menu brings back fan favorite nationwide Then there are cherry tomatoes straight from Türkiye, oven-roasted and marinated in oil, oregano, garlic, and salt. Shredded and fresh mozzarella is all-natural, coming from Wisconsin, while Mamber's Mark Itali Basil pesto incorporates basil from the Liguria region of Northern Italy. After all, this special pie should take you on a journey to Italy, says Sam's Club. The new pizza is not only a meticulously crafted new treat, but also reflects the company's mission of culinary integrity. Sam's Club has been working on ingredient transparency for a while now, promoting the idea that it is important to know where your food comes from. Sam's Club also recently made a major food court change - a pizza delivery option to members. Now, members can access delivery in as little as three hours for free or quicker for $8. Related: Coca-Cola's discontinued college drink makes a big comeback Pizzas for delivery are 16" with a price tag of $8.98 and include the following options: cheese, pepperoni, and four meat. This turned out to be a great success, according to Sam's Club CFO Todd Sears. "Pizza delivery has been incredible and has exceeded our expectations, meaning we quickly rolled it out to all 600 (club stores). What's surprising is the average value of a pizza order is 10 times the price of the pizza. People are adding other things to their basket," Sears said. And while Costco is popular for hot dogs, loyal customers argue that Sam's Club pizza is among the best available. Posts on Reddit praised Sam's Club's frozen pizza for being crusty and less greasy than the competition. The Club's new Italian pizza might be yet another hit in the making. Related: FDA says yes to controversial new seafood delicacy The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
Don't Miss Your Chance to Get a One-Year Membership to Sam's Club for Only $20
Between concern over tariffs and the rising costs of everyday essentials, anytime you can save money without sacrificing what you need is vital. Shopping at a warehouse like Sam's Club is a great way to buy in bulk and stack savings. You can even score discounts on select electronics or furnishings. However, you'll need a membership to get in the door, and unfortunately, that's another expense. But right now, StackSocial is offering a one-year Sam's Club membership for only $20. That saves you a massive 60% off the usual $50 price. The only catch is this deal won't hang around for long, so keep that in mind when planning your purchase. Sam's Club is known for its bulk grocery items and everyday essentials, as well as a large selection of TVs, clothing, small kitchen appliances and other wares. It's an excellent place to shop if you have a family or want to stock up, so you can save in the long run. In addition to those savings, you'll also get access to Sam's Club's gas pumps and auto-service, which includes free flat-tire repair, battery testing and windshield-wiper replacement. And there are even more discounts on hotels, rental cars, movies and more. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. In addition to in-store offers, you can order online and get curbside pickup for $4 or same-day delivery for $12. This StackSocial deal is only for new members or those whose memberships lapsed more than six months ago. To score all benefits, you must download the code and redeem your membership by August 31, 2025. Then download the Sam's Club app to access a digital card and start saving immediately. Keep in mind that this Sam's Club membership auto-renews at the regular price. If you decide not to renew, cancel online before your membership renewal date. Looking for ways to save on groceries and aren't sure if this deal is for you? We compared prices at Aldi and Trader Joe's and the best grocery delivery services so you can see which one is the best fit for your lifestyle. Why this deal matters A Sam's Club membership typically costs $50. This StackSocial deal gets you a one-year membership for just $20. Previously, the membership was discounted to $25, so this deal is even better at $5 less. That makes now a great time to score an annual membership if you're interested in joining, especially when you consider all the extra savings you'll get shopping at Sam's Club.
Fast Company
2 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
There's a reason your Sam's Club rotisserie chicken looks different
Sam's Club shoppers will soon notice a change to the retailer's private-label rotisserie chicken packaging. A new tray means the grab-and-go prepared foods favorite is now more sustainable. The clamshell packaging for Member's Mark seasoned rotisserie chicken sold at Sam's Club is composed of a top clear lid made from polypropylene (same as before) and a bottom piece made from a proprietary polypropylene and PCR (or postconsumer recycled content). Unlike the old tray, the new one doesn't use a carbon mineral filler, according to Packaging Dive, which first reported the change. That carbon mineral filler is what gave the tray its black color; with it gone, the now-recyclable material takes on a neutral sand color. Sam's Club tells Fast Company that 7½ bottle caps are repurposed to make each tray, and the new packages result in a roughly 25% reduction of virgin plastic. Sabert, the company that manufactures the clamshell packaging, says the tray was developed with color specialists to mask the natural juices and stains that come from cooking chicken. The tray is also microwavable, reusable, and hand and dishwasher safe. Sabert's chief sustainability and strategy officer, Richa Desai, tells Fast Company that Sabert is 'seeing more customers embrace postconsumer recycled content for food packaging as part of their own sustainability commitments to reduce virgin plastic use.' Like CVS, Target, and other retailers, the Walmart-owned Sam's Club is working to improve its private-abel offerings as consumers turn to generic brands to save money. For Sam's Club, though, the competition is especially fierce considering it's up against fellow membership warehouse club Costco's private-label Kirkland brand, which is bigger than Nike. While Costco's net sales in the most recent fiscal year were $176.63 billion, Sam's Club reported less than half as much, at $86.2 billion. Chicken could be one small step toward closing the gap. Walmart declined to provide sales figures for its chicken, though in one Reddit thread, users claimed stores sell hundreds a day. Member's Mark currently prices its rotisserie chicken at $4.98, though prices may vary in store and online, while Costco's Kirkland brand rotisserie chicken sells for $5.84. Costco's chicken also comes in a bag instead of clamshell packaging, a change last year that shoppers voiced their displeasure over. While Member's Mark may have a way to go to reach Kirkland-level sales and cultural resonance, it seems to have at least gained a competitive edge when it comes to rotisserie chickens.
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Costco's new hours start Monday. What to know about changes.
Costco's earlier opening hours for executive members start Monday at wholesale clubs across the country. Why it matters: The move comes nearly a year after Costco raised membership fees for the first time since 2017. It mirrors a tactic from rival Sam's Club, which has long offered exclusive hours and extra perks to its premium-tier members. The big picture: The early access perk is a way to add value to the membership club's top tier and potentially increase the ranks of executive members who make up a higher percentage of sales. Executive members make up more than 47% of Costco's paid memberships but represent 73.1% of sales globally, Costco CFO Gary Millerchip said on a May 29 earnings call. Members can upgrade to an executive membership at a prorated fee that varies based on how many months remain in their membership, Costco explains on its website. Flashback: Costco previously had early hours for executive members and during the pandemic opened early some days for seniors and members with disabilities. Costco executive member hours, new benefits Zoom in: The new executive member benefits start Monday, June 30, Costco said. Warehouses will open at 9am daily exclusively for executive members. Membership card scanners at club entrances identify which membership level a member has. Costco said in a comment on a Facebook post that warehouse departments like the pharmacy and food court will participate in the new hours except on Sundays when pharmacies are closed. Other new benefits for executive members are a $10 monthly credit on same-day or Costco via Instacart orders of $150 or more and additional value on Costco services like its auto program. New Costco hours at clubs nationwide The following are Costco's new early shopping hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 10am Saturday: 9am to 9:30am Sunday: 9am to 10am Clubs will open at 10am weekdays and Sundays for all members and 9:30am on Saturdays. Locations that had been open at 9am for all members will also make a change. "Our U.S. locations that currently open at 9 am, will transition June 30th to limiting access to Executive Members only during the times outlined," Costco said in a comment on its Instagram post. Yes, but: Some shoppers have said on Reddit and social media they've spotted signs at clubs already opening at 9am that note "a grace period for Gold Star and Business members will be in effect through August 31." Costco didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment about how many clubs will have the grace period. Costco Saturday hours extended Between the lines: Costco U.S. warehouses will stay open one extra hour on Saturdays for all member. Clubs will close at 7pm on Saturdays. Costco membership cost Zoom out: Costco increased membership fees for both Gold Star and Executive tiers by $5 and $10 respectively, effective Sept. 1, 2024 Gold Star and business membership fees are $65, up from $60. Executive membership fees are double the basic membership's price but members earn a 2% reward on eligible purchases. The $130 annual fee is up from $120. Costco gas station hours 2025 Costco extended gas station hours in February, keeping them open beyond clubs. Gas stations were closing at many locations at 9pm weekdays and 7pm on weekends. Extended gas station hours are: Monday-Friday: 6am to 10pm Saturday: 6am to 8:30pm Sunday: 6am to 7:30pm Hours may vary in California and Hawaii, Costco said. Costco closed July 4th
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Walmart's Sam's Club makes bold move to steal Costco customers
Considering Walmart's (WMT) domination in the retail space, it's probably reasonable to expect that Sam's Club, its membership warehouse offering, would be able to compete with Costco (COST) . However, that's not actually the case. As of Q1 2025, Costco held 77.7% of the market share for the warehouse club industry, per data from CSIMarket. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Part of Costco's advantage may be that it was first to the game. It began in 1976 as Price Club, eventually opening the first Costco in 1983 and then merging the two businesses. Walmart was quick to follow once Costco launched, also starting Sam's Club in 1983. But Costco's experience with Price Club gave it eight additional years of opportunity to experiment and innovate, which may be a contributing factor to the company's success. Because of the significant gap between the two, Sam's Club is constantly under pressure to find ways to compete with Costco and potentially spirit its customers away. Related: Costco makes a bold move to compete with Amazon One key way it does that is by undercutting Costco on membership price and running annual specials that make a membership very affordable. Sam's Club's current promotion, which runs through June 30, allows new customers to join for $30. Now Sam's is trying something new by taking aim at Costco's famously affordable food court - and it just might make a dent in the warehouse giant's sales. Image source: Beth Hall/Bloomberg via Getty Images In May, Sam's Club decided to launch an unusual service: pizza delivery. Much like Costco, Sam's Club has a food court that serves inexpensive eats like hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, yogurt, and drinks. A new service the retailer added in May allows members to use the Sam's Club app to order a Members Mark 16-inch pizza and schedule a delivery window or pay a few extra dollars for express service. For Plus members, delivery is free when they place an order over $50, while Club members pay $12. The pizza itself retails for $8.98, and customers can choose from pepperoni, cheese and four-meat options. Costco charges $9.99 for a pizza of the same size. After a month, Sam's Club says that the new service is a grand success. Related: Walmart delivers Amazon some really bad news "Since launching pizza delivery in late May, we've been encouraged by the strong response from members," said a Sam's Club statement to FOX Business. "Early performance has exceeded expectations, with robust demand, high repeat order rates, and enthusiastic feedback from members seeking affordable, high-quality meals delivered hot and fresh," it said. Sam's Club is not only making a move to undercut Costco's pizza prices, but also taking aim at pizza delivery shops in general, where pies have become more expensive in recent years. For example, a large pepperoni pizza from Domino's is $17.49, while the same pizza from Papa John's is $18.53 including delivery fees. More on retail: Walmart takes a key stace on a highly controversial topicTarget unveils Amazon-style revival plan to win back customersWalmart's Sam's Club leans into alarming consumer trend In an economy where people are pulling back on unnecessary spending and looking for the best deal possible to feed their families, Sam's has a clear advantage here - and you don't even have to go to the store to get it. Costco does offer its own large pizza deal, as mentioned above, but it does not offer any kind of delivery. Instacart can get it for you if you are ordering other things using that service, but naturally that comes with an additional fee, defeating the purpose of getting the cheap pizza deal in the first place. While this move may not rake market share away from Costco by the fistful, it is a small way through which Sam's Club stands to gain - and a lot of small moves, when added up, can make quite an impact. Related: Walmart, Kroger recall dangerous ready-to-eat meals The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
