- Sam’s Club plans to open about 15 stores per year and remodel all ~600 current locations, signaling a major growth push.
- The Walmart-owned retailer aims to double its membership base over the next 8–10 years.
- The expansion comes amid economic uncertainty driven by tariffs, with Sam’s Club positioning itself as a budget-friendly option in a tightening economy.
- The company reported $90.2B in net sales in its most recent fiscal year—a 53% jump from pre-pandemic levels.
Sam’s Club is betting big on a tough economy, as reported by Bisnow.
The bulk retailer announced it will ramp up its US expansion by opening 15 stores annually and undertaking a full remodel of its 600-store footprint. The move is aimed at doubling membership and capitalizing on shifting consumer priorities, according to CEO Chris Nicholas.
Doubling down
The latest update marks a significant step up from Sam’s Club’s 2023 plan to open 30 stores over five years. Now, the retailer is committing to more than double that pace, with an eye on long-term membership growth over the next decade.
Why now
The move comes amid increased market volatility stemming from recently enacted tariffs under President Trump’s administration. While others in the commercial real estate (CRE) sector adopt a cautious stance, Nicholas believes economic headwinds could actually boost the retailer’s appeal.
“In times of plenty, we do well. But in tough times, we do really well,” Nicholas said in an interview with CNBC.
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Expansion details
Sam’s Club will open three new stores this fiscal year—in Grapevine, Texas; Tempe, Arizona; and Lebanon, Tennessee—and begin work on seven more. While exact costs of the expansion weren’t disclosed, the build-out will be supported by strong financials.
Post-pandemic performance
Sam’s Club has seen a surge in demand since the pandemic. Net sales totaled $90.2B in the fiscal year ending January 2025—a 53% increase from the fiscal year ending in early 2020.
Big picture
As price-conscious shopping trends continue and the retail landscape shifts, Sam’s Club is leaning into scale and savings. Its long-term bet: that more value-seeking consumers will keep turning to warehouse clubs during uncertain times.
