Core Viewpoint - The recent product selection changes at Sam's Club have sparked significant consumer dissatisfaction, raising concerns about the quality and value of its membership offerings [1][4][5] Group 1: Product Selection Issues - Sam's Club has faced backlash for removing popular items like sun cakes and low-sugar egg yolk pastries while introducing more common brands, leading to perceptions of declining product quality [1][4] - The introduction of brands with questionable reputations, such as Holley, has further fueled consumer distrust regarding Sam's Club's product selection standards [4][5] Group 2: Membership Value Perception - The membership fee at Sam's Club is seen as a promise of quality and exclusivity, and the recent changes have led some members to feel that their investment is no longer justified [4][6] - There is a growing sentiment among consumers that the changes have diminished the perceived value of the membership, with some members expressing intentions not to renew their subscriptions [4][5] Group 3: Business Performance Context - Despite the current controversies, Sam's Club has shown strong business growth in China, with projected revenues exceeding 100 billion RMB in 2024, and its parent company Walmart achieving sales of 158.8 billion RMB [4] - The retail industry often faces challenges when reaching significant sales milestones, as operational complexities and quality control issues can arise, potentially hindering further growth [4][5] Group 4: Consumer Sentiment and Market Behavior - The backlash against Sam's Club reflects deeper consumer expectations for differentiated services that align with the premium nature of membership offerings [6] - The emotional response from consumers indicates that perceived breaches of trust can significantly impact brand loyalty and consumer behavior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity [5][6]

Core 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].

Core Viewpoint - The recent product selection changes at Sam's Club have led to significant dissatisfaction among members, particularly regarding the removal of popular items and the introduction of new products perceived as lower quality [1][10]. Product Selection Issues - Members have expressed frustration over the removal of high-repurchase items like Sun Cakes, Rice Pudding, and Low-Sugar Egg Yolk Pastries, while new products like Low-Sugar Holi-Ryu Pie and Liu Liu Mei have been criticized [1][10]. - The Low-Sugar Holi-Ryu Pie, launched in June, claims to reduce sugar by 80% and increase cocoa content by 30%, priced at 49.9 yuan for 48 pieces, but has received over 300 negative reviews for being too sweet [5][7]. Brand Image Concerns - The Holi-Ryu brand has faced scrutiny due to a "double standard" controversy in 2022, which has negatively impacted its image among consumers, despite the brand's clarification that global product formulations are consistent [9]. - Other popular brands like Wei Long and Xu Fu Ji have also entered Sam's shelves, while previously popular items like Egg Yolk Pastries and Mango Sago have been quietly removed [9]. Member Expectations and Trust - Members expect Sam's Club to provide a curated selection of quality products, differentiating it from regular supermarkets. The introduction of mainstream brands has led to a perception of diminishing exclusivity [10][13]. - There is a growing sentiment among members that if Sam's product selection becomes similar to that of regular supermarkets, the value of paying the membership fee is questioned [13]. Financial Performance - Walmart reported strong growth in China, with Q1 net sales reaching $6.7 billion, a 22.5% year-over-year increase, driven by Sam's Club and e-commerce [15]. - Membership revenue for Sam's Club in China grew over 40%, with a 35% increase in membership fee income during the Chinese New Year sales season, indicating robust business activity [15].