Full Breakdown
Sam’s Club Accelerates Expansion in China Amid Growing Membership
9/2/2026, 7:47:06 PM
Rapid Store Rollout
Sam’s Club, the membership-only warehouse chain owned by Walmart, opened its sixth Beijing location this year, drawing long queues of shoppers. The retailer announced plans to add 13 new stores across the country in 2024, bringing its total footprint to 76 outlets, including sites in several lower-tier cities.
Membership Figures and Revenue Outlook
As of June, Sam’s Club reported 10.7 million paid members in China. The company projects that annual membership revenue could reach 3 billion yuan (approximately US $450 million) this year.
Pricing Structure
The club offers two membership tiers: a basic plan priced at 260 yuan per year and a premium plan at 680 yuan per year. These fees are positioned to encourage frequent visits, allowing members to maximize the value of their subscription.
Consumer Appeal
- “The appeal of Sam’s Club is the breadth and quality of goods offered along with wholesale pricing,” — Cathy Chao, senior director of Asia-Pacific corporate ratings at Fitch Ratings
She noted that many items are exclusive to Sam’s Club and that Chinese shoppers perceive a consistent level of high-quality products at reasonable prices, which helps justify the membership cost.
Broader Retail Implications
Sam’s Club’s expansion comes as several foreign brands are reducing their presence in China. The retailer’s value-pricing model and exclusive product assortment appear to resonate with the Chinese middle class, prompting higher foot traffic and membership growth. By targeting both major metropolitan areas and emerging lower-tier cities, Sam’s Club is positioning itself as a durable player in a market where other foreign retailers are retreating.
