At Walmart Inc.’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting, Sam’s Club shared its long-term vision and growth strategy to redefine the club model.
The $90 billion business, which began as an experiment over four decades ago, has plans to double membership and more than double sales and profit over the next eight to 10 years.
Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas outlined the company’s growth ambitions to strengthen membership, expand physical and digital capabilities and deliver an elevated experience for members.
“This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” Nicholas said. “We’re investing with intention – in our fleet, our associates and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.”
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Investing for growth and scale
As part of its long-term plan, Sam’s Club will open 30 new locations as previously announced, while building a pipeline to open about 15 new clubs each year over the planning horizon.
The retailer also plans to remodel all 600 of its current clubs, with the recently opened Grapevine, Texas, location setting the standard.
These physical investments are being matched by a digital expansion. By leveraging Walmart’s enterprise fulfillment network and technology platforms, Sam’s Club is scaling a national e-commerce presence that enables membership growth beyond its physical club footprint.
A reimagined member experience
Sam’s Club continues to evolve its Member Value Proposition across four key pillars: Value, assortment, experience and trust.
The Member’s Mark private brand – which represents about 50 percent of merchandise sales growth over the last two years – reflects Sam’s Club’s commitment to quality, innovation and price leadership.
Meanwhile, investments in digital tools such as Scan & Go, Just Go exit technology and personalized, AI-driven advertising are elevating the member experience and removing friction from shopping.
Recent enhancements to the e-commerce proposition, including free shipping for Plus members and free curbside pickup for club members, have contributed to record highs in digital penetration and first-year renewal rates.
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Powered by people and purpose
Sam’s Club’s 100,000 employees remain central to the company’s momentum. Recent wage investments, career progression opportunities and the adoption of AI tools to streamline repetitive tasks have improved operational efficiency and associate engagement, according to the retailer.
Momentum and market opportunity
With all-time highs in membership and a growing advertising and services business, Sam’s Club believes in its ability to capture a greater share of the expanding club channel.
“We’ve built the foundation. Now, we’re accelerating,” Nicholas said. “Sam’s Club is on a mission to become the world’s best club retailer – and we’re just getting started.”