Sam’s Club’s sensible approach to the holidays

Bucking a retail industry trend this year, Sam’s Club won’t be open on Thanksgiving Day and on Black Friday it won’t open until 7 a.m. Instead, Sam’s is throwing some new promotional wrinkles at members and non-members including, “Sam’s Sunday,” event to drive sales.

Sam’s will feature a broad range of sharply priced promotional items Thanksgiving weekend, but this weekend it is hosting, “a night of fantastic deals,” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The after-hours shopping event is billed as invitation only to lend an air of exclusivity.

The following weekend, Sam’s will be looking for its share of the Black Friday pie by employing some new tactics. For example, featured merchandise that goes on sale in clubs at 7 a.m. on Black Friday will be available online on Thanksgiving Day with free shipping. To encourage new members sign ups, Sam’s is offering a $40 gift card to those who sign up in clubs for the $100 Plus membership.

"Our members should have access to the best brands and best prices every day. That’s what we’re giving them,” said Charles Redfield, EVP of merchandise at Sam’s Club. “Not all members’ holiday shopping routines are the same, but they expect value, quality and excitement from Sam’s Club – whenever, wherever and however they shop. We’re prepared to exceed their expectations.”

One way Sam’s plans to do that is by offering a total of $4,100 in instant savings on various products along with an offering of gift cards at popular restaurants and other venues sold at a discount to their face value.