Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding Sam's Club is primarily due to its product selection strategy, which has led to customer dissatisfaction and negative feedback regarding the introduction of "low-sugar Holley Pie" while popular items were quietly removed from shelves [1][10]. Product Selection Changes - Sam's Club has introduced new products from popular brands like Holley, Wei Long, and Xu Fu Ji, while simultaneously removing previously popular items such as egg yolk pastries and caramel layered cookies [1]. - The removal of certain high-value products has raised concerns among members, with some expressing intentions to cancel their memberships [1][10]. Customer Feedback and Reactions - Following the introduction of the low-sugar Holley Pie, many customers reported being unable to find the product on the Sam's Club app, leading to significant online discussions and trending topics on social media [3]. - Sam's Club customer service confirmed that the product had been removed from online listings, although it remained available in some physical stores [5]. Brand and Corporate Responses - A representative from Walmart acknowledged the discussions regarding product selection and stated that customer feedback would be considered in future product strategies [7]. - Sam's Club has indicated that it will take legal action against misinformation and defamation related to its brand and management [7]. Membership and Revenue Insights - As of June 2025, Sam's Club is projected to have over 9 million paid members, generating membership fee revenue exceeding 2.34 billion yuan based on a fee of 260 yuan per year [13]. - The membership model is a core competitive advantage for Sam's Club, acting as an agent for consumers in selecting quality products [13]. Brand Dependency on Sam's Club - Major brands like Holley, Wei Long, and Xu Fu Ji are increasingly reliant on Sam's Club as a strategic sales channel, which has become a significant revenue source for Walmart amid market fluctuations [15]. - There is a risk for brands to lose pricing power and become mere suppliers to Sam's Club, as the retailer has gained significant control over product offerings [16]. Ongoing Dynamics Between Brands and Retailers - The relationship between brands and Sam's Club is characterized by a tug-of-war, with brands seeking to maintain some level of control and insight into consumer preferences beyond what retailers provide [17]. - The ongoing dynamics suggest that the negotiation and collaboration between brands and Sam's Club will continue to evolve [18].
山姆线上下架好丽友!选品“不上心”,中产不买账了
21世纪经济报道·2025-07-15 14:23