Sam’s Club is preparing for a holiday season in which 61% of its members plan on doing more shopping online and 31% will be shopping earlier in the holiday season, according to a survey by the retailer. As a result, its plans include hiring 2,000 additional associates to assist with fulfillment; launching a number of extended promotion periods; and stocking smaller product bundles for shoppers hosting smaller celebrations.
The new hires will be permanent, full-time positions across the country in both fulfillment centers and distribution centers, including the recently opened fulfillment center in Perris, Calif. Additionally, Sam’s Club is preparing for the rush by designating 100 stores as part of the Ship from Club program, which will utilize in-store associates to handle ship-from-store fulfillment for approximately 20% of all online orders.
Promotions will be adjusted as well. This year’s holiday events will include three monthlong promotions: October Savings Event, November Instant Savings and December Instant Savings. The retailer’s Thanks-Savings promotion will be extended from four days to 10 days, while the November and December Savings Events will be extended from one day to nine days each. Only the Cyber Monday event will remain a single-day promotion.
Sam’s Club also is adjusting its selection for the season with a curated collection of unique holiday items, as well as by stocking entrées, sides and desserts to complete holiday meals. Some of these products will come in smaller sizes than in past years: for instance, shoppers can choose from 4 pound, 7 pound or 10 pound hams, according to CNBC. Side dishes such as green beans with garlic herb butter, sweet potato mash with cinnamon butter and mac and cheese can be found in packages for a family of four, while yeast rolls will come by the dozen instead of in 36-count packages.
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“COVID-19 has changed how our members shop and the experiences they desire,” said Tony Rogers, Chief Member Officer at Sam’s Club in a statement. “We’re listening and evolving our approach to meet their needs.”
