Core Insights - The article discusses the growing concerns among Sam's Club members regarding the potential shift towards an "Alibaba-style" business model under the leadership of a former Alibaba executive, Liu Peng, which may compromise the quality and trust that members expect from the brand [3][4][5]. Group 1: Membership and Business Model - Sam's Club operates on a "membership contract" model where members pay an annual fee (260 or 680 yuan) for a promise of quality and value through curated products [4]. - The core business logic of Sam's Club relies on membership fees rather than product margins, aligning its interests with those of its members [4]. - In contrast, the Alibaba model focuses on platform logic, emphasizing user engagement and advertising revenue, which may conflict with Sam's Club's original mission [4][5]. Group 2: Member Concerns and Reactions - Members are expressing fears that Sam's Club is transitioning from a "professional buyer" model to a "traffic platform," which could alter operational metrics from member retention to app engagement [4]. - The recent changes in the app's design, including the use of enhanced images and hidden product information, have sparked outrage among members who feel this undermines the trust and transparency they expect [5][6]. - The backlash against Liu Peng's appointment and the app redesign reflects a broader dissatisfaction with Sam's Club's recent operational decisions and product quality [8]. Group 3: Expansion and Quality Control - Sam's Club has rapidly expanded its presence in China, increasing from 23 stores in January 2019 to over 60 by the end of this year, which has strained its supply chain and quality control processes [8][9]. - The pressure to maintain product quality amidst rapid growth has led to a reliance on larger, more generic brands, which may not meet the high standards expected by members [8]. - The simplification of supplier audits and quality checks has raised concerns about potential quality control issues as the company continues to expand [8].