Workflow
山姆,给中产丢脸了
WalmartWalmart(US:WMT) 盐财经·2025-07-20 09:39

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent backlash from Sam's Club members regarding changes in product selection, which has led to concerns about quality and brand trust among its members [2][4][9]. Group 1: Membership and Sales Performance - Sam's Club has over 5 million active members in China, generating annual membership revenue exceeding 1.3 billion yuan, with a high renewal rate of 92% for premium members [6][8]. - Walmart's Q1 report indicated that Sam's Club and e-commerce are significant growth drivers, contributing two-thirds of Walmart China's performance, with net sales reaching $6.7 billion, a 22.5% year-on-year increase [6][9]. Group 2: Product Selection Controversy - Members have expressed dissatisfaction over the replacement of popular products with mainstream brands, perceiving it as a decline in quality [4][12]. - The introduction of products like "减糖·好丽友派" faced criticism for not meeting quality expectations, leading to its temporary removal from shelves [14][20]. - Consumers feel that the new product offerings do not align with their expectations of premium quality, leading to a loss of trust in the brand [18][39]. Group 3: Management and Strategic Changes - The article highlights a management transition at Walmart China, with Jane Ewing taking over as acting president of Sam's Club, emphasizing supply chain efficiency [27][31]. - The rapid expansion of Sam's Club, with plans to open 6 new stores in 2024, has raised concerns about maintaining product quality and supply chain management [35][37]. - Analysts suggest that the quality issues may be linked to the accelerated growth and the need for a more robust logistics and quality control system [37][46]. Group 4: Consumer Sentiment and Future Outlook - Long-time members are reconsidering their membership due to perceived declines in product quality and benefits, with some opting to downgrade their membership [18][21]. - The article concludes that while Sam's Club has made adjustments in response to member feedback, the long-term impact on brand perception and member loyalty remains uncertain [47][48].