Core Insights - The price difference between Sam's Club and Walmart for similar products is raising concerns among members, with approximately 25% of sampled items priced higher at Sam's Club [1][4][6] - Sam's Club's traditional value proposition of "good products at low prices" is being questioned as members compare prices across platforms [2][3] - The strict supplier selection process that once supported Sam's Club's reputation for quality is facing challenges as pricing pressures increase [6][8] Pricing Discrepancies - A specific example shows a Clarins Double Serum priced at 699 yuan at Sam's Club, while the same product is available for 599.31 yuan on Walmart's platform, indicating a price difference of 99.69 yuan [3][4] - An analysis of 40 products revealed that about a quarter had lower prices on Walmart's platform compared to Sam's Club, with price differences ranging from a few cents to 50 yuan [4][5] - Price competition is weakening for Sam's Club, as some products are found to be cheaper on other platforms, such as a 24-pack of tea priced at 59.9 yuan at Sam's Club compared to 52.29 yuan on Taobao [4][6] Supplier Dynamics - The pressure to maintain both quality and low prices is shifting the balance for suppliers, with some feeling the strain and choosing to exit the Sam's Club system [8][10] - Suppliers must navigate a rigorous selection process to become part of Sam's Club's supply chain, which includes a comprehensive evaluation of various factors [6][7] - The increasing emphasis on low prices has led to a broader selection of suppliers, with some lower-quality brands entering the system due to competitive pricing [8][10] Membership and Expansion - Sam's Club has seen significant growth in membership, with approximately 900,000 paying members and plans to continue expanding its store presence in China [9][10] - The rapid increase in store numbers necessitates a larger supply chain, leading to ongoing adjustments and evaluations of suppliers [10][11] - The membership fee structure, which ranges from 260 to 680 yuan annually, is designed to attract middle-class consumers seeking quality and value [6][9]
追溯高价山姆
Jing Ji Guan Cha Bao·2025-11-08 03:46