Core Viewpoint - Sam's Club is facing member dissatisfaction due to a decline in exclusive product offerings and the introduction of common brands, raising questions about the value of its membership fees [1][3][5] Group 1: Product Offering Changes - Sam's Club has removed over 200 exclusive products in recent years, with its private label product share dropping from 38% to 30% [1][3] - The introduction of popular brands like Haoliyou and Weilong has led to member complaints, as they feel they are paying high membership fees for products available in regular supermarkets [3][5] - Despite the decline in exclusive products, some private label items still rank high in sales, indicating ongoing consumer interest [3] Group 2: Member Expectations and Market Position - Members express dissatisfaction with the shift from "exclusive selection" to "ordinary supply," which undermines the perceived value of membership [5][6] - The current strategy of introducing common brands contradicts market trends, as consumer preferences have shifted towards product differentiation and exclusivity [6][9] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with rivals like 1号会员店 and Hema actively introducing similar products, further challenging Sam's Club's market position [1][9] Group 3: Trust and Brand Loyalty - The changes in product selection have led to a trust crisis among members, who feel that the value proposition of the membership is diminishing [9] - Transparency in pricing and product sourcing, as demonstrated by competitors like Pang Donglai, is becoming increasingly important to consumers [9] - Experts suggest that the core of membership retail is not just selling products but building trust, emphasizing the need for Sam's Club to return to its roots of quality and exclusivity [9]