More employees in the supply chain and exclusive deals highlight Sam’s Club’s upcoming holiday planning.
The retailer said it will hire 2,000 supply-chain associates to support the expected holiday shopping demand in the coming weeks, and it has begun rolling out deals on top holiday gift items. A representative of the company told Store Brands that there will be deals offered on Member’s Mark products and branded items throughout the period, but details aren’t ready to be shared yet.
Additionally, there are some exclusive branded promotions such as a bundle on Nintendo products and seasonal decorations.
To help make the holiday season run smoothly, the store is hiring more associates and all fulfillment center hourly associates will receive a $2 hourly premium during the holiday season. Hundreds of those new hires will work at the retailer’s new high-tech fulfillment center in Perris, California, just outside of Los Angeles, which opened last month ahead of the holiday rush.
This will be the first holiday season that club associates will fulfill online orders. The program, called Ship from Club, will use more than 100 clubs across the country to pick online orders from club inventory and ship them directly to members’ homes. Ship from Club is expected to speed up the fulfillment of orders and account for about one-fifth of all online orders.
According to the retailer, a survey found that 61% of Sam's Club members said they would be shopping more online this year, and 31% said they would be shopping earlier than past years.
“We take our cues directly from our members, and they’re telling us they’re ready for and excited about holiday shopping this year,” said Megan Crozier, chief merchandising officer at Sam’s Club. “Our merchants are making this holiday extra special for our members across categories – from food and holiday décor to one-of-a-kind gifts – with more high-quality items at amazing members-only values, and special experiences they can’t find anywhere else.”