URGENT UPDATE: Starting this weekend, December 3, 2023, Sam’s Club is expanding its operational hours in a bold move to enhance convenience for its members. The Walmart-owned warehouse chain will now open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a significant shift on Sundays, previously limited to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This change comes in direct response to “overwhelming feedback” from customers, just in time for the peak holiday shopping season.
The first hour of each day at Sam’s Club is exclusively reserved for Plus members, similar to the policy at its rival Costco, which opens for executive members at 9 a.m.. However, unlike Costco, Sam’s Club offers an earlier start for curbside shoppers, who can now pick up their orders beginning at 7 a.m.. This strategic adjustment aims to cater to the growing demand for e-commerce services and provide more shopping flexibility.
A spokesperson for Sam’s Club stated,
“We made this decision in response to overwhelming feedback from members — and just in time for the busy holiday season, when convenience matters most.”
The company is also taking steps to ensure that its fuel stations will operate from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate evening customers.
In a competitive landscape, Sam’s Club’s expanded hours may give it an edge over Costco, which reported a 1% increase in weekly sales following its own decision to extend shopping hours for executive members. Both retail giants have demonstrated resilience, outperforming traditional retailers like Walmart and Target this year, as nearly half of American households have shopped at either Costco or Sam’s Club in the past year, according to market analytics firm Numerator.
Exceptions to the new hours include Christmas Eve, when clubs will close at 6 p.m., and closures on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter.
Sam’s Club memberships are also priced competitively, at $50 compared to Costco’s $65, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. This strategic expansion of hours not only reflects the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction but also positions it to capture a larger share of the holiday shopping market.
As the holiday season approaches, shoppers can expect increased foot traffic and longer lines, especially during the newly extended Sunday hours. With these changes, Sam’s Club is set to become a more convenient shopping destination, enhancing the overall member experience.
Stay tuned for further updates as the holiday shopping season unfolds and retailers continue to adapt to consumer needs.
