As warehouse clubs boom, Walmart-owned Sam's Club plans to open 15 stores per year

Core Insights - Sam's Club is set to accelerate its expansion by opening approximately 15 new stores annually and remodeling its existing 600 locations across the U.S. [1][2] - The company aims to double its membership over the next eight to ten years, building on its previous plan to open about 30 new stores over five years [2] - Despite economic uncertainties due to tariffs, the CEO expresses confidence in sustained demand for Sam's Club, suggesting that the focus on cost savings will be increasingly relevant [3][4] Expansion Plans - Sam's Club plans to open around 15 new stores each year moving forward [1] - The chain previously announced a plan to open about 30 new stores in the U.S. over five years, following the closure of 63 locations in 2018 [2] Membership Growth - The goal is to double membership within the next eight to ten years [2] Economic Context - The expansion occurs amid economic uncertainty due to President Trump's tariffs, which have raised concerns about price increases and consumer spending [3] - The company has withdrawn its first-quarter operating income forecast, indicating potential profit impacts from maintaining price stability amid rising costs [3] Management Confidence - The CEO believes that demand for Sam's Club will remain strong, even in a challenging economic environment, emphasizing that the company's value proposition becomes more significant during tough times [4]