slobo/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
Walmart (NYSE:WMT) announced on Thursday that it plans to open more than 30 Sam’s Club locations in the next several years in what will be the first expansion of the chain since 2017. marking the first expansion since 2017.
The new clubs will be approximately 160K square feet on average, which is larger than most existing locations. Most of the new clubs will feature a sushi island, a full-service floral area and dedicated hearing and optical centers. Many of the new locations will also include fuel stations and liquor offerings.
In addition to the new Sam’s locations clubs, the company has a multiple-year plan to invest in and modernize the supply chain through new distribution and fulfillment center locations across the country, including cutting-edge automation. Sam’s Club will launch five new supply chain fulfillment and distribution centers in 2023, with the first location planned in Georgia in Q3.
The Sam’s Club expansion follows strong sales growth and a record rise in membership over the past two years. Over the past several years, Sam’s Club has redesigned the majority of its 600 clubs in an effort to make them more appealing to customers. In addition, the brand has expanded its shopping technology like Scan & Go, a mobile app that allows shoppers to scan merchandise and check-out without going to the cashier line.
Shares of Walmart (WMT) were up 0.18% in mid-day trading on Thursday.
Retail roundup: Watch these retailers as the most likely to nab sales from closing Bed Bath & Beyond stores