Sam's targets cost-conscious collegiates

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Sam's Club is now offering students with a valid college ID and collegiate e-mail address a year-long membership for $40 and a $15 gift card to help offset the cost of their first purchase.

In addition, each collegiate membership includes a complimentary add-on card so other students can share the savings.

The new college membership cards, according to Sam's Club, is its way of addressing concerns about rising costs of education. According to a survey commissioned by Sam's Club, 66% of Americans felt tuition was the biggest concern as the school year begins. Furthermore, 85% felt that one-stop-shopping at places such as warehouses lead to the greatest savings when purchasing items for college.

“We’ve always had a great relationship with college administrators and many of our clubs serve college towns, this new college specific membership will help us answer the needs of both parents and students, as they return or go to campus for the first time, and to make the most of their budgets,” said Mike Turner, vp of membership at Sam’s Club.