Sam’s Club: History, Locations and More (2025)
Sam’s Club is a leading membership-only retail warehouse club founded in 1983 and owned by Walmart. It’s built a reputation for offering bulk products at competitive prices, catering to families, small businesses, and budget-savvy shoppers. With over 600 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Sam’s Club provides a wide range of products, from groceries and household essentials to electronics and furniture. Their goal is simple: to help members save more while shopping for quality items.
What sets Sam’s Club apart is its focus on member-exclusive benefits, such as free shipping, discounted fuel prices, and access to services like tire installation and pharmacy savings. Additionally, their Scan and Go app and curbside pickup services make shopping convenient and hassle-free.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Sam’s Club a favorite among millions of shoppers, covering its membership plans, product variety, in-store and online shopping experience, and more.
About Sam’s Club
Source: Walmart
Sam’s Club, founded by the visionary Sam Walton, carries forward his legacy of serving customers with unmatched value. Mr. Walton, an entrepreneurial icon of his time, started with a modest five-and-dime store, which gave him firsthand experience with the challenges small businesses face. This foundation of understanding and customer focus remains at the heart of Sam’s Club today.
With nearly 600 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, along with a presence in China and Mexico, Sam’s Club has evolved to serve millions of members globally.
Sam’s Club operates as a membership-based warehouse club, offering an exclusive selection of products at an exceptional value. By streamlining its inventory and purchasing in bulk, the company ensures savings are passed directly to members.
Members enjoy a host of benefits, including free shipping for Plus members, Sam’s Cash rewards, savings on prescriptions, and early shopping hours. Additional perks include health screenings, fuel discounts, and daily product demonstrations through the "Tastes and Tips program.
At the core of Sam’s Club is Mr. Walton’s guiding philosophy: "We are the agents for our customers. True to this vision, the company is committed to delivering reliable products and savings that make life better for its membersanytime, anywhere.
Sam’s Club Timeline
The 1980s: The Beginning of Sam’s Club
Sam Walton recruited four pioneersRob Voss, Dick Palmer, Mike Villines, and Clyde Hulettto transition from Walmart and establish Sam’s Club. In 1983, the first club opened in Midwest City, Oklahoma, with Ron Loveless as its president. That same year, Sam’s Club introduced the now-iconic hot dog cart. By 1986, credit cards were accepted, moving beyond the initial cash-only model. Product demos began in 1987, along with a milestone celebration of one million members, marked by each club gifting a turkey to a representative member. By 1988, sales skyrocketed 62% to $2.7 billion, and Sam’s Club launched fuel stations exclusively for members.
The 1990s: International Growth and Digital Innovation
In 1991, Sam’s Club went global, opening its first location in Mexico City, followed by China in 1996. Clubs expanded to Puerto Rico and Hawaii in 1993, and a major acquisition of 91 Pace Clubs from Kmart in 1994 brought the total number of clubs to 428. The digital age began in 1996 with the launch of SamsClub.com, offering exclusive online products. Member’s Mark, a private label, debuted in 1998, providing a quality alternative to name brands. By 1999, Sam’s Club introduced Plus memberships, offering added benefits like early shopping hours and free shipping.
The 2000s: Embracing Technology and Sustainability
With the rise of the internet, Sam’s Club introduced “Click ‘n’ Pull” in 2000, allowing members to order online and pick up in-store. By 2002, the chain grew to 500 clubs. Sam’s Club adopted RFID technology in 2004 for efficient inventory management. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it dispatched thousands of trucks with relief supplies.
Sustainability became a priority in 2007, as solar power was piloted in select locations. Doug McMillon was appointed President and CEO of Sam’s Club during this transformative period.
The 2010s: Reinventing the Basics
Sam’s Club focused on its roots while modernizing its approach. In 2016, the Scan and Go app simplified shopping. By 2018, partnerships like Instacart brought same-day delivery to members. The Member’s Mark brand was reimagined as purpose-driven and sustainable. In 2019, Sam’s Club launched healthcare savings programs and appointed Kath McLay as CEO. By 2013, annual sales had surpassed $50 billion, driven by top-selling items like bananas and Blu-ray players.
The 2020s: Tech-Driven Convenience
The pandemic in 2020 prompted innovations like Concierge Service for at-risk members and Hero Hours for healthcare workers. In 2021, Sam’s Club aired its first Super Bowl ad, and by 2022, it introduced Sam’s Cash, a digital currency for members. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, Sam’s Club reached $84 billion in sales with plans for further expansion. Initiatives like the Member Access Platform and sustainable branding for Member’s Mark reflected its commitment to technology and purpose.
The Sam’s Club Membership
Sam’s Club membership is a paid annual subscription that provides access to exclusive benefits and savings at Sam’s Club locations and online. Since Sam’s Club is a membership-only warehouse club, you need to have a membership to shop there and access their discounted prices.
Let’s have a look at a couple of its membership plans and what benefits they offer:
Club Membership
The Club membership is available for $50 annually, offering a range of valuable benefits.
Club Member Perks:
- Fuel Discounts: Save on fuel at select locations, exclusive to members.
- Free Curbside Pickup: Enjoy free curbside pickup on orders over $50; a $4 fee applies for orders below the minimum.
- Scan and Go: Skip the checkout line by scanning your items with the app and paying directly through your phone.
- Exclusive Pricing: Access members-only prices, plus Instant Savings and seasonal offers throughout the year.
- Household Membership: A complimentary membership card for another member of your household.
- Additional Members: Add up to 8 extra members for just $45 each, including a complimentary membership card.
- Upgrade Option: Add-on members can create their own accounts and upgrade to Plus membership.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: If you’re not satisfied, you can cancel your membership anytime, risk-free.
Plus Membership
The Plus membership is available for $110 annually and includes all the Club membership benefits, along with extra exclusive perks that offer even greater value.
Plus Member Perks:
- Free Delivery: Get free delivery on eligible orders over $50.
- Free Shipping: Enjoy free shipping on eligible orders for both primary and complimentary cardholders.
- Free Curbside Pickup: Place your order online, park, and let us load your car for you.
- Household Membership: A complimentary membership card for another member of your household.
- Additional Members: Add up to 16 extra members for just $45 each, including a complimentary membership card.
- Upgrade Option: Add-on members can upgrade to Plus membership by creating their own accounts.
- Pharmacy and Optical Discounts: Save more on prescriptions and enjoy 40% off additional prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses for the same person.
- Sam’s Cash: Earn 2% Sam’s Cash on eligible in-club purchases.
- Early Shopping: Enjoy early access to select locations and exclusive hours.
- Tire and Battery Center Benefits: Early access to services, plus 50% off tire installation for four tires.
Other Reasons To Get The Sam’s Club Membership Than Shopping
Sam’s Club Services
Sam’s Club doesn’t just offer great deals on products they also have a variety of services to make life easier:
Health Services
Save on prescriptions and walk-in immunizations, and get 10 free select generics with a Plus membership. Sam’s Club also offers affordable prescription glasses, hearing aid assistance, and 24/7 access to medical providers for any health concerns.
Auto Services
Sam’s Club offers great deals on vehicles, including special pricing on RVs, ATVs, motorcycles, and boats. You can also save on top tire brands and enjoy discounts on rental cars. If you purchase a vehicle, you could earn up to $2,000 in post-sale benefits.
Home Improvement and Maintenance
Protect your home with deals on security systems, pest control, and home repairs. Plus, you get a free first month of coverage for unexpected breakdowns. There are also discounts on energy plans and water delivery services.
Travel and Entertainment
Save up to 60% on top hotel bookings and up to 25% on rental cars. Sam’s Club also offers discounted tickets for attractions, parks, Broadway shows, and concerts.
In short, if you’re a regular shopper or looking for great services and discounts, a Sam’s Club Membership can offer significant value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sam’s Club the same as Walmart?
While Sam’s Club and Walmart share a common parent company, they are distinct retail entities. Sam’s Club operates as a membership-based retail warehouse club, offering wholesale prices to its members, while Walmart is a traditional retail store with a wider customer base.
Which is better: Costco, Sam’s Club, or Walmart?
The choice between Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart depends on your shopping preferences and needs. Each offers unique benefits. Costco focuses on quality and a curated selection, Sam’s Club emphasizes value and bulk purchases, and Walmart provides a wide range of products at affordable prices.
Can I use my Walmart membership at Sam’s Club?
No, Walmart memberships are separate from Sam’s Club memberships. While both are under the same corporate umbrella, a Walmart membership does not grant you access to the benefits and services offered by Sam’s Club.
How do I become a Sam’s Club member?
You can become a Sam’s Club member by signing up online or at a Sam’s Club location. Choose between Club and Plus membership tiers based on the perks and benefits you desire.
How much does a Sam’s Club membership cost?
The cost of a Sam’s Club membership varies based on the tier you choose. Club memberships typically have a lower annual fee of $50, while Plus memberships come with additional perks at a slightly higher cost of $110.
Can I shop at Sam’s Club without a membership?
In most cases, you need a membership to shop at Sam’s Club. However, non-members can still make purchases online using the Sam’s Club Guest Membership, but a 10% guest service fee will be added to their total.
7. Does Sam’s Club offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Yes, if you’re not satisfied, you can cancel your membership and receive a full refund within a specified period.
