Walmart(US:WMT) Jing Ji Guan Cha Bao·2025-07-15 07:20Core Viewpoint - Recent product adjustments at Sam's Club have sparked widespread consumer concern, with members questioning the quality of selected products as popular items are being replaced with lower-rated alternatives [1][2]. Group 1: Product Changes and Consumer Reactions - Sam's Club has removed high-repurchase items such as sun cakes and low-sugar egg yolk pastries, replacing them with products like low-sugar Holi-Ryu pies, which have received significant negative feedback from consumers [1][2]. - The low-sugar Holi-Ryu pie, launched in June 2025, claims to reduce sugar by 80% and increase cocoa content by 30%, but has been criticized for its actual sweetness and controversial ingredients [2]. - The brand image of Holi-Ryu has been tarnished due to past controversies regarding ingredient transparency, leading to consumer skepticism despite official clarifications [2]. Group 2: Membership and Brand Positioning - Sam's Club's membership fee remains stable at 260 yuan for regular members and 680 yuan for premium members, a pricing strategy that has been in place since 2016 [4]. - The store's branding as a "middle-class supermarket" is challenged by recent product selections that align more closely with ordinary supermarkets, leading to a perception of decreased exclusivity [3][4]. - Despite the controversies, Sam's Club reported strong financial performance in Q1 2025, with net sales reaching $6.7 billion, a 22.5% year-on-year increase, and a 40% growth in membership numbers [5]. Group 3: Quality Control Issues - Sam's Club has faced multiple quality control issues over the past year, including reports of moldy cakes and spoiled milk, resulting in over 10,000 complaints on consumer platforms [6]. - The ongoing product selection controversy adds to the challenges faced by Sam's Club in maintaining its high-end positioning while expanding its membership base [6].