Core Insights - Sam's Club in China is experiencing significant growth, with sales reaching 120 billion yuan this year, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year [3][4][14] - The opening of the largest Sam's Club in Beijing has attracted considerable attention, contributing to a double-digit growth in transaction volume for Walmart China [2][3] - The new CEO, Liu Peng, has initiated changes that have sparked mixed reactions among consumers, particularly regarding product quality and shopping experience [6][10][20] Expansion and Performance - Sam's Club opened its ninth new store in 2025, bringing the total number of stores in China to 61 [2] - Walmart China's net sales increased by 21.8% in the third quarter, with e-commerce contributing over 50% of sales, largely driven by the performance of Sam's Club [3][4] - The rapid expansion into second and third-tier cities has created a fresh consumer base, enhancing brand appeal [4] Consumer Experience and Feedback - Consumers have reported a decline in product quality and shopping experience, with some items now available in local markets, leading to dissatisfaction among core members [10][11] - Changes in the Sam's Club app and product presentation have been perceived as complicating the shopping experience, moving away from the previous straightforward approach [6][9][10] - The core membership, which has reached 9 million, is crucial for maintaining stable cash flow, but there are concerns about retention due to quality issues [4][10] Leadership and Strategy - Liu Peng's leadership is characterized by a focus on efficiency and market expansion, but this has raised concerns about the potential sacrifice of product quality and member trust [13][19] - The previous CEO, Wende An, implemented strategies that significantly improved member experience and loyalty, which are now being challenged by the current expansion-focused approach [14][15] - The dual leadership of Zhu Xiaojing and Liu Peng aims to balance rapid growth with maintaining product quality and member satisfaction [17][18] Challenges Ahead - The shift towards a more efficiency-driven model may lead to conflicts with the expectations of core members who prioritize quality and uniqueness [13][19] - The reliance on e-commerce and rapid expansion has increased operational costs, which could impact overall profitability [13][19] - The future success of Sam's Club will depend on how well the leadership can navigate the balance between growth and maintaining the trust of its core membership [20]