Major Expansion and Modernization Plans Announced
Sam’s Club, the membership-based retail warehouse owned by Walmart Inc., has announced bold plans to revamp all of its 600 existing locations and open approximately 15 new clubs annually. The announcement came during Walmart’s 2025 Investment Community Meeting, where Sam’s Club CEO Chris Nicholas detailed the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Calling the initiative “one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” Nicholas emphasized the company’s focus on boosting membership, enhancing the in-store and digital experience, and investing in employees. The goal is to double membership numbers and more than double both sales and profits over the next 8 to 10 years.
Building on a January 2023 announcement to open 30 new clubs and modernize its supply chain, the updated plan includes continuing with those 30 new locations while building a pipeline to sustain the opening of 15 clubs per year moving forward.
First New Locations and Strategic Footprint Expansion
As part of its expansion roadmap, Sam’s Club confirmed two new locations scheduled to open in the current fiscal year. These will be located in Tempe, Arizona, and Lebanon, Tennessee—marking the retailer’s first presence in both cities. The move reflects Sam’s Club’s intent to extend its reach into previously untapped markets, further growing its national footprint.
The company’s strategic approach to expansion is focused not only on geographic growth but also on optimizing customer service and modernizing how shoppers interact with the club. The addition of new clubs is part of a broader mission to evolve Sam’s Club into what Nicholas calls “the world’s best club retailer,” aligning innovation with scalability.
This physical expansion is coupled with ongoing digital transformation, offering a seamless omnichannel experience that enhances convenience for members and helps the company remain competitive in a rapidly evolving retail environment.
Remodeled Stores Offer a Glimpse into the Future of Retail
Sam’s Club’s remodels will be based on the successful revamp of its Grapevine, Texas, location, which reopened in late 2024 after storm damage forced its temporary closure. The redesigned store introduced several tech-driven features, most notably a register-free shopping experience enabled through Scan & Go technology.
According to the company, this new system has been well received, with the majority of members preferring the streamlined checkout option in its first week of operation. The remodel also introduced member specialists stationed at high-top tables to assist customers with using digital tools, including Scan & Go.
In addition to bypassing traditional registers, members at remodeled clubs can now browse online exclusives in-store and opt to ship items directly to their homes, blending digital convenience with in-person service.
With this comprehensive plan, Sam’s Club is positioning itself at the forefront of retail transformation—leveraging technological innovation, expanding its reach, and placing a renewed emphasis on enhancing the customer experience.
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