Sam's Club Set to Open Seventh Club in Heart of Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Sam's Club will officially open the doors of its newest location Thursday, March 3. Doors open at the 4101 N. May Ave. (I-44 & N. May) club following an 8 a.m. grand opening ceremony.

Prior to the public grand opening, the company will host a business appreciation event as a way to say thanks to the company's core customer – the small business member. The new club will continue to celebrate the company's focus of being in business for small business.

Walmart founder Sam Walton opened the first Sam's Club in 1983 in Midwest City with the idea that small business owners deserved the same access to warehouse prices as big businesses. Thirty-three years and more than 650 clubs later, the brand new Oklahoma City Sam's Club will re-emphasize Mr. Sam's vision.

"Sam's Club and Oklahoma City have a long-standing history with the city serving as the site for the first Sam's Club. Throughout the past three decades, the Oklahoma City area and Sam's Club have grown together. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is excited to welcome the new Sam's Club into our community," said Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

Focus on the business community

While Sam's Club has evolved over the years to meet the needs of families and individual shoppers with quality products and great buys, it remains committed to serving the needs of the business owner. That pledge is showcased at the new Oklahoma City club where the business-centric warehouse has more dedicated space to grocery that includes expanded sizes of bulk grocery items as well as an increased selection of paper products – both core items for many business owners such as restaurant owners and catering companies.

"We know how important saving time is when it comes to running a business or managing a household," said Club Manager Mike Odom. "This new club will offer a convenient drive-up kiosk where members can order their items online ahead of time and we'll have them ready when they want to pick them up. For business owners who rely on us for their daily ingredients and supplies for their business, Club Pickup really is a game changer that we're proud to offer."

Business expo

Sam's Club will offer local business owners a sneak peek of the new club Wednesday, March 2 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. during a special business appreciation event. The expo is open to business owners and will feature limited-time savings on more than 70 business products, product comparison demonstrations and an "Invoice Comparison Challenge," which promises to show at least $500 in annual savings compared to current costs or you'll receive a free Sam's Club Plus membership for a year.

Grand opening ceremony to feature local officials, special events

State Senator Ervin Yen, State Representative Jason Nelson and members of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce will be among those attending Thursday's grand opening ceremony. The Putnam City High School JROTC and the University of Central Oklahoma Army ROTC Bronco Battalion Color Guard will present colors.

Sam's Club will also showcase a variety of food samples and product demonstrations. Hair stylist to the stars, José Eber, will provide tips and advice to shoppers on grand opening day. The celebration continues through March 8 when Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams greets fans from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Commitment to community

The grand opening celebration will focus on the company's commitment to being the club of the community. Club associates selected several local nonprofit organizations to receive more than $20,000 in community giving grants. Last year, Sam's Club and Walmart stores in Oklahoma provided more than $36.9 million in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations in the state. These donations represent community grants, food donations and associate volunteer efforts from stores, clubs and the Walmart Foundation.

In addition to the Sam's Club giving program, the company also supports the area by sourcing products from local and regional businesses. Sam's Club is proud to carry 13 Made in Oklahoma products, including Head Country BBQ Sauce and Seasonings, Cain's Coffee, Griffin Syrups and Schwab's meats. Through the company's Road Show program, several other local businesses, like Sweet Prairie Home fudge and Southern Okie Gourmet Spreads will be featured during grand opening weekend.

Membership information

A Sam's Club membership is an investment that more than pays for itself. Whether buying for a household or a business, a Sam's Club member can access exclusive savings on merchandise and outstanding benefits. Memberships range from $45 to $100

• Sam's Club Savings and Business memberships run $45 per year and include Instant Savings which are limited-time promotional discounts that are electronically loaded on a member's card and automatically applied at the time of purchase of the item.
• A Sam's Club Plus membership costs $100 per year and includes early shopping hours and Cash Back Rewards meaning Plus members earn $10 in Cash Rewards for every $500 they spend in qualifying pre-tax purchases.

As part of a grand opening membership promotion, business owners can sign up for a Plus membership valued at $100 for only $45.

Non-members are encouraged to visit the new Oklahoma City club and take advantage of a free One-Day Pass available online or in the club at the Member Service Desk.

About Sam's Club

Sam's Club^®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. WMT, is a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products, savings and services to millions of members in 653 clubs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. To learn more about Sam's Club, visit the Sam's Club Newsroom, shop at SamsClub.com, and interact with Sam's Club on Twitter and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160229006163/en/