While most people don't join a warehouse club because of its food court, that area has been a major benefit for Costco and Sam's Club members. Cheap food adds to the stores' overall value proposition.
While shopping for cheap products, trying out samples, and finding unexpected things to buy, Costco (COST) and Sam's Club members know they can end their trips with an affordable meal. The two companies offer slightly different menus, but customers have access to low-priced pizzas, sandwiches and snacks.
Related: Costco shares news about its upcoming membership fee increase
Costco, of course, has its famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, while Sam's Club offers a similar deal for $1.38. This is Sam's Club giving its rival a run for its money, but consumers aren't likely to switch memberships because of a slightly cheaper hot dog deal.
Still, food courts are an important part of both chains' overall offering. And when Costco or Sam's Club makes a change to their food court menu, it's a big deal.
Sam's Club recently made such a change and gave its members a role in deciding what the change would be.
Image source: Patricio T. FALLÓN / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Sam's Club Adds New Food Court Item
In fact, Sam's Club allowed the public to choose their latest item in the food court. In February, owned by Walmart (WMT) The company posted on its Facebook page, allowing everyone, not just members, to vote on what the pick would be.
What ice cream flavor would you like to see at the Café during #MembersMark month this April?
Tuxedo Chocolate Bar Cake Sundae: Vanilla Ice Cream + Tuxedo Chocolate Bar Cake + Caramel Syrup
Chantilly bar cake and fruit ice cream: vanilla ice cream + sweet fruit chantilly bar cake + mixed berry topping
Apple Rotation Sundae: Vanilla ice cream + Sweet apple pie and tart + Caramel syrup
The Tuxedo Chocolate Bar Cake Sundae won the vote and will be added to the chain's menu on April 1.
“Tuxedo Bar Cake is a specialty of Sam's Club Bakery and features layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, cream cheese filling, and a rich dark and milk chocolate ganache on top.” All recipes reported.
Sam's Club, unlike Costco, does not require people to be members to use its food court. Costco has been cracking down on non-members eating in its food court, a rule it had previously not enforced.
Walmart has big plans for Sam's Club
Costco adds 20 to 30 new warehouses each year, about two-thirds of them in the U.S. Walmart has been much slower to grow Sam's Club, but that's going to change.
Walmart plans to open more than 30 new Sam's Club locations across the United States over the next few years.
“The first location, planned in Florida, will open in 2024,” the company said on its website.
“In addition to the new clubs, the company has a multi-year plan to invest in and modernize its supply chain through new distribution and fulfillment center locations across the country, including state-of-the-art automation. Sam's Club will launch five new compliance clubs and supply chain compliance. distribution centers in 2023, with the first location planned in Georgia in the third quarter.”
Additionally, the company has been working to upgrade its more than 600 existing locations.
“In recent years, Sam's Club has invested significantly in its physical footprint, improving member experiences with improved service desks and redesigning most of its 600 clubs, making them brighter, easier to navigate and more functional,” he said. the company. aggregate.
“The brand has also invested significantly in its club technology to enhance the shopping experience with Scan & Go Checkout, Scan & Go Fuel, Scan & Ship, Curbside Pickup and other omnichannel offerings.”
