Sam’s Club Accelerates U.S. Expansion Plans Amid Warehouse Club Boom
F.M.I.E Sources | April 2025
DALLAS, Texas — Walmart-owned Sam’s Club is ramping up its expansion strategy, with plans to open 15 new warehouse clubs per year and renovate all of its approximately 600 U.S. locations, CEO Chris Nicholas announced Wednesday at the company’s Investor Day event.
The aggressive move comes as warehouse clubs gain increasing popularity across the U.S., even amid economic uncertainty triggered by newly imposed tariffs and market volatility. According to F.M.I.E Sources, Nicholas reaffirmed Sam’s Club’s confidence in the value-focused retail model, which has proven resilient in both prosperous and challenging economic conditions.
“In times of plenty, we do well. But in tough times, we do really well,”
— Chris Nicholas, CEO, Sam’s Club (via F.M.I.E Sources)
Strategic Growth Despite Uncertainty
This accelerated expansion marks a significant shift from the retailer’s earlier plans, which projected 30 new clubs over five years—a cautious move following the closure of 63 locations in 2018. Now, with robust consumer demand and evolving shopping habits, the company is pursuing a faster trajectory.
The timing, however, is notable. President Trump’s sweeping tariffs have unsettled financial markets and introduced fresh uncertainty around pricing, profit margins, and overall consumer confidence. Earlier Wednesday, Sam’s Club withdrew its first-quarter operating income forecast, citing the potential impact of tariffs if the company absorbs rising costs to keep prices stable.
Despite these headwinds, Nicholas said the company remains optimistic that its model of bulk savings and member benefits will resonate even more strongly with shoppers looking for value in uncertain times.
A New Digital Shopping Experience
Sam’s Club has also embraced innovation as part of its expansion. The retailer recently opened a next-generation location in Grapevine, Texas, designed to be fully digital. Customers use a smartphone app to scan and pay for items, eliminating traditional checkout lanes. The store also features digital displays showcasing online-only products and expanded space for e-commerce fulfillment, including curbside pickup and home delivery.
This modern format will serve as the blueprint for future store openings and remodels nationwide, according to F.M.I.E Sources.
By the end of the current fiscal year, Sam’s Club is expected to have opened three new locations in Grapevine, TX; Tempe, AZ; and Lebanon, TN, with construction underway on seven more slated to open in future fiscal years.
Strong Financial Performance
The retailer’s expansion strategy is underpinned by solid performance. In the most recent fiscal year, Sam’s Club reported $90.2 billion in net sales, marking a 53% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Comparable sales (excluding fuel) rose 5.9%, while e-commerce grew 24% year-over-year, reflecting the shift toward digital convenience.
Customer traffic across both stores and online platforms rose 5.4%, and membership income climbed 13% in the fourth fiscal quarter. While the company does not disclose its total membership numbers, it has made doubling its membership base over the next eight to ten years a strategic goal.
Competitive Landscape
Sam’s Club is not alone in this warehouse club growth trend. Competitors Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club have also laid out ambitious expansion plans. Costco, with approximately 620 U.S. stores, aims to open 28 new locations this fiscal year, while BJ’s plans 25 to 30 new clubs over the next two fiscal years in states such as Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas.
Investing in the Future
Parent company Walmart has ramped up its investments across the board, from store renovations to advanced supply chain technologies. In the fiscal year that ended in January, Walmart spent $23.8 billion on capital expenditures. For the current fiscal year, it expects to invest between $20.24 billion and $23.61 billion, which includes support for new Sam’s Club stores and enhanced digital infrastructure.
With robust demand, strategic digital transformation, and continued consumer interest in bulk-buying value, Sam’s Club appears well-positioned to thrive—even in uncertain economic times.