Sam's Club

Sam’s Club run of six consecutive quarters of accelerating same-store sales growth will come to an end in the third quarter unless the warehouse club operator exceeds guidance provided earlier this week after reporting a 5% second-quarter comp increase.

Even though Sam’s president and CEO Brian Cornell noted that momentum remains strong, he added that “it’s important to remember that it was in the third quarter last year that our comp performance began to accelerate, so our comparisons for the back half will be more challenging.”

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores reported Tuesday that profit for the quarter ended July 31 rose to $3.8 billion, up from $3.6 billion in the year-ago period. Overall revenue, up 5.4% to $109.37 billion, topped Wall Street’s expectations.

Yet, the world’s largest retailer is feeling the pinch from a tight economy that is slow to loosen. Wal-Mart U.S., the company's biggest unit, posted a 0.9% drop in same-store sales, the ninth consecutive quarterly drop and beneath analysts' estimates for a 0.6% fall.

Membership upgrade activity at Sam’s Club could see some improvement in the months ahead if a new software program lives up to its billing. Sam’s Club said it will use DemandTec’s Deal Management software service to enhance its eValues program, which provides members at the $100 Plus level with customized savings offers. Sam’s created the program to added value to its premium membership level and encourage upgrade activity.

New York City -- Sam’s Club has selected DemandTec’s Deal Management software service to enhance its eValues program.

SAN MATEO, Calif. — Sam's Club has engaged the services of DemandTec to enhance its eValues program.

Sam's Club said it will use DemandTec's Deal Management service to streamline the collaborative presentation, negotiation, reconciliation, and archiving of member offers and supporting supplier funds for the eValues program.  

DemandTec is working in conjunction with FICO, provider of the eValues program, to integrate Deal Management, streamline the process, and deliver highly targeted, timely offers to members of Sam's Club.  

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that the Y received the most votes in its Giving Made Simple campaign for health-focused nonprofits.

The Y is one of four nonprofits who are benefiting from a Sam's Club total donation of $1.2 million. Each of the nonprofits participating in Giving Made Simple delivers programs that promote nutrition, active lifestyles and health education for all ages, the company reported.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is encouraging customers to protect their eyes by offering free vision screenings at its stores nationwide on Aug. 13.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., both adults and children can receive a vision acuity screening, as well as a quick take-home test called an Amsler Grid, which tests for blurred or missing areas of vision.

Irving, Texas -- Michaels said Monday it is rolling out a mobile-optimized site app as well as mobile coupons with the objective of driving in-store traffic.

The retailer, which already has a strong presence on Facebook and Twitter, has zeroed in on mobile initiatives as a way to reach time-pressed customers.