Sam's Club® Begins New Chapter in Lubbock

LUBBOCK, Texas, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 25 years, Sam's Club has been a part of the West Texas landscape.  That long retail history is about to take a new turn this month when the newly relocated Sam's Club opens Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 a.m.  The new club, located in the Canyon West Shopping Center in the booming western side of Lubbock, is easily accessible at the intersection of West Loop 289 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway at the Milwaukee Avenue access.

"Sam's Club has been a great corporate citizen for over a quarter of a century, and has been a very big part of our retail scene for all those years," Lubbock Mayor Tom Martin said.  "The club has always had a positive impact on our city's retail trade.  I anticipate this new club to take that impact to an ever higher level."

While the new Sam's Club is only relocating less than a mile from its original location, club manager Kevin Judge says its location is much more convenient for the public due to easier vehicular access in-and-out of the club and ample parking.      

"Historically the local Sam's Club location draws members from a 100-mile radius surrounding Lubbock," Judge said.  "When members drive from New Mexico for day trips or to visit the many colleges and medical centers in the city, Sam's Club wants to be a convenient retail destination for savings made simple.  This new location gives us that added benefit."

New Layout, Bright Atmosphere, Expansive Selections Await Members

In addition to increased accessibility to members, the relocated Sam's Club features a more shopper-friendly interior layout. The new club measures approximately 136,000 square feet, which is about one-third larger than the previous Sam's Club location.

"I am counting down the days to showcase our new club to members," Judge said.  "I really think they will be excited when they see how nice our new facility is and how much easier the layout will be for them to shop, while receiving the same excellence in member service and savings that they deserve."

Upon entrance, members will immediately discover a fresh, bright atmosphere featuring skylights and shiny concrete floors as the club opens just in time for warmer weather. 

As an innovative steward of the community they serve, the new Sam's Club utilizes a variety of environmentally-friendly materials and energy-efficient fixtures. For instance, numerous daylight-harvesting skylights reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting throughout the club, including in the cooler and freezer box doors and jewelry counter, operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting.

Products Support Community Needs

The new Lubbock Sam's Club benefits a wide range of shoppers seeking quality, selection and value.  Red Raider fans will immediately notice the vast electronics department featuring the biggest and best in high-definition televisions.  Local cotton farmers and cattle ranchers will enjoy the club's large oil and automotive departments, and students and faculty members from Texas Tech University, Wayland Baptist University, Lubbock Christian University and South Plains College, will find everything they need to stock their dorm rooms, apartments, offices and homes. 

Busy moms and those who love to cook will find an expansive array of everyday needs including fresh produce, quality meats and home meal solutions.  With summer just around the corner, items like hybrid grills, coolers, patio furniture and pool items are abundant. Fresh flowers with a 7-day guarantee, best-selling books, tires, and sporting equipment are in large supply for members of all ages, while office supplies, vending machine snacks and paper goods prepare small business members for success. Additional benefits for small business owners include early shopping hours, personal shopping through Click 'n' Pull®, truck load savings, and access to quality items most often used by foodservice businesses,restaurant owners and caterers.

Members can experience Savings Made Simple® at Sam's Club Lubbock when doors open Thursday, April 19, immediately following the 7:30 a.m. grand opening ceremony.

Fuel Station and Hearing Center Among Added Amenities

The city known as the "Center of the South Plains Region" is surrounded by five major Texas highways.  Those traveling to, through and out of Lubbock will have the convenience of a new Sam's Club fuel station, which is located adjacent to the club.  The station will have 12 pumps, including diesel, which is a big plus for the area's large agricultural community.

The new club will also debut a Sam's Club Hearing Center, offering premium technology in hearing aid and personal listening devices alongside the care of a certified audiologist.

Other health and wellness benefits include the Sam's Club pharmacy, open to members and the public, featuring $4 and $10 generic prescriptions and savings on branded prescriptions. Sam's Club also offers an optical department and free monthly health screenings to help members take charge of their health through preventative measures.

Club to Employ 250 Associates

The Lubbock Sam's Club will employ approximately 250 associates.   

"A lot of work has gone into this project, and every single one of our associates has helped contribute to its completion," Judge said.  "This club is for Lubbock, and I appreciate all of our associates for their commitment to seeing this project come to fruition." 

Judge started his career at the Lubbock Sam's Club in 1991 as an hourly associate pushing carts.  He eventually went into the management program working at clubs in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico.  Over his 21 years with the retailer, he managed three clubs in New Mexico including Farmington, Santa Fe and Albuquerque.  He returned to Lubbock five years ago as manager. 

Sam's Club to Support Texas Tech University, Local Charities

Sam's Club has a longstanding commitment to give back to the communities it serves, and the new Lubbock club is no different. Associates from the local club have selected several local organizations to receive $10,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation. The recipients include: Texas Tech University Office of Community Engagement, Highland Baptist Church, J.T. Hutchinson Middle School, Alzheimer's Association of Lubbock, CASA of the South Plains, Lubbock Christian University, Boy Scouts of America South Plains Council, Texas Boys Ranch, Network for Development of Youth, and Covenant Health System Foundation.

In addition, the Lubbock club will support Texas Tech University through a sponsorship arrangement with the university's athletic department.

"Texas Tech is the focal point of our community and there is so much pride associated with the school," said Judge.  "This is a good relationship for us.  It's a win-win for our community, the university and our club."

The newly relocated Sam's Club will also help fight hunger in the area by continuing to make regular product donations to the South Plains Food Bank.  As part of a nationwide collaboration between Sam's Club and Feeding America, Sam's Club donated more than 39 million meals in 2010 to Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief charity.

Grand Opening Event

The grand opening ceremony will take place at 7:30 a.m., April 19.  Numerous local dignitaries, including Lubbock Mayor Tom Martin, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce President Eddie McBridge, and Charles Hodges, developer of the Canyon West Shopping Center, will be in attendance, along with 250 Sam's Club associates. For opening weekend, Sam's Club will be offering a membership savings offer that's bigger than big. Ask a membership associate for more information.

Membership Information

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 Membership offers exclusive savings on merchandise and outstanding member benefits. With access to eValues and early shopping hours, Plus membership offers even more with our premium service options. Advantage memberships for families and individuals start at $40 annually, Plus memberships are $100,  Business members pay $35 annually and Business Plus members pay $100. Special savings for college students and military families are also available. Visit SamsClub.com/membership for a full menu of services or to renew your membership today.

About Sam's Club

Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation's eighth largest retailer and a leading Membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million Members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 34 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam's Club on Twitter, Facebook and on mobile and iPad® apps. 

SOURCE Sam's Club