Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Sam's Club's product selection strategy has raised concerns among consumers regarding the quality and uniqueness of its offerings, leading to questions about the value of the membership fee paid by consumers [2][4]. Group 1: Product Selection and Quality Concerns - Sam's Club has faced criticism for replacing popular products with more mainstream brands like Haoliyou, leading to perceptions of homogenization in its product offerings [2][3]. - Consumers have reported quality issues with certain products, indicating a potential shift in supplier relationships that may affect product standards [3][6]. - The core of the controversy lies in the expectation that consumers pay a premium membership fee for unique and high-quality products, which may not be met if product differentiation diminishes [4][5]. Group 2: Membership Value Proposition - The membership fee is perceived as a "selection premium" that consumers expect to be matched with high-quality products and services [3][4]. - Sam's Club has emphasized its commitment to quality and member satisfaction, stating that it will consider member feedback in future product selection strategies [5][6]. - The trust established between Sam's Club and its members is crucial for its competitive advantage, as consumers believe they are getting quality products at competitive prices [3][5]. Group 3: Expansion and Financial Considerations - Sam's Club has been rapidly expanding in mainland China, opening 32 new stores from 2016 to 2023, with plans for continued growth in 2024 [6]. - Despite strong sales growth, the high cost of store openings and operational expenses poses challenges for maintaining cash flow and profitability [6][7]. - The overall performance of the supermarket sector in mainland China is underwhelming, raising questions about Sam's Club's ability to sustain its growth trajectory without facing increased competition and market saturation [7].

Core Viewpoint - Sam's Club is facing challenges in retaining its membership base due to recent product selection changes and quality control issues, leading to perceptions of homogenization with regular supermarkets [2][12][30]. Group 1: Product Selection Changes - Sam's Club has introduced popular mass-market brands like Holley Friend, Wei Long, and Xu Fu Ji, while discontinuing previously popular items such as egg yolk pastries and caramel layered cookies, causing dissatisfaction among members [2][10][12]. - The introduction of the "low-sugar Holley Friend pie," which claims to reduce sugar by 80% and increase cocoa content by 30%, has received significant criticism, with over 300 negative reviews citing it as too sweet [5][7][9]. - Members express concerns that the shift towards more common brands dilutes the unique value proposition of Sam's Club, which was originally perceived as a premium shopping experience [19][20]. Group 2: Membership and Revenue Insights - Sam's Club, a high-end membership store under Walmart, has over 500 million paid members and 48 stores in China, with membership fees set at 260 yuan for regular members and 680 yuan for premium members [25][26]. - Walmart's fiscal report for 2025 indicates that Sam's Club's membership fee revenue has grown by over 35%, despite ongoing quality issues [26][30]. - The club's unique positioning as a "middle-class supermarket" is being challenged as competitors like Costco and Hema introduce similar membership models, prompting Sam's Club to reassess its competitive advantages [19][30]. Group 3: Quality Control Issues - Sam's Club has faced numerous complaints regarding product quality, including reports of moldy cakes and contaminated dairy products, leading to over 10,000 complaints on consumer platforms [27][29]. - The frequency of quality control failures has negatively impacted the brand's reputation, raising questions about its ability to meet the expectations of its core middle-class clientele [30]. Group 4: Market Position and Competition - The retail landscape in China is becoming increasingly competitive, with Sam's Club needing to redefine its value proposition amidst the rise of other paid membership supermarkets [30]. - As the paid membership model becomes standard in the industry, Sam's Club must identify new differentiators to maintain its appeal to consumers who expect premium offerings [30].