Sam's Club® Launches Smart Phone Application and Mobile Website

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading up to the busiest shopping season of the year, Sam's Club enhances and simplifies the shopping experience as the first membership warehouse club to offer smart phone application technology. The newly launched Sam's Club App can be downloaded for free from the iPhone App Store, Android Market and BlackBerry App World. The app includes exclusive features, such as access to product information, member reviews and eValues. The Sam's Club App makes it simple and easy for members to interact with Sam's Club and to make smart choices on products throughout the club and online.

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"Locating a club, checking the latest reviews on a product, and getting personal discounts are just a few taps away with the new Sam's Club App," said Cindy Davis, Sam's Club executive vice president of marketing, membership and dotcom. "Our research indicates that our members over index in shopping from their smart phone compared to the general market*. We are always listening to our members to find the next innovation, and this app will help us improve members' shopping experience in a simple and uniquely Sam's Club way."

A recent survey conducted by Sam's Club, shows that more than 40 percent of its members are smart phone users. The majority of Sam's Club members use Apple® iPhone®, BlackBerry® or Android® phones, creating a need to reach all platforms.

The app initially launched for iPhone in late August and was quickly listed as "New and Noteworthy" on Apple's iTunes Store.

Simplifying Customized Information

The Sam's Club App simplifies members' lives and creates broader opportunities to engage with members by bringing local and relevant information directly to smart phones. The new app gives users up-to-the-minute information about local club events, membership renewal status and company announcements.

Sam's Club Plus Members can view their eValues — exclusive, customized discounts automatically loaded on their membership cards — directly from the app. Plus Members who use the Sam's Club App are alerted instantly when new offers are added to their eValues and when eValues near the expiration date.

Simplifying Clubs

For those on the go, locating the nearest Sam's Club is just a few taps away with the new app. A Club Locator feature provides both directions and details, such as hours of operation and services offered. The My Club feature is a quick tap to information about the member's preferred club and includes club specific product assortment, available services, as well as information about local events such as book signings, flu shots and road shows.

Also included is a Club Map feature to help members easily navigate the interior of each club, including the layout of individual department locations such as electronics, office supplies, fresh food, bakery and pharmacy.

Simplifying Product Assortment

Finding the right product has never been easier at Sam's Club. By simply tapping the Products icon, members can scroll through the product catalog by category, search a product by name, or use a smart phone camera to scan the barcode and check the product's online information page.

Other exciting features that enhance a member's shopping experience include instant access to thousands of product reviews, product availability status, in-depth product information and multiple images of each product. Members can also share their favorite products with friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter by using the social networking at a-tap functionality.

"We are excited to put power in hands of our members," added Davis. "They will be able to make smarter choices with less effort by using the new Sam's Club App."

Simplifying the Future

One of the greatest features of the app is the Feedback function. Users can send suggestions for future app updates, so Sam's Club can ensure future features will be what members want most.

Earlier this year, Sam's Club announced the addition of Wi-Fi in all U.S. locations, allowing smart phone users more convenient access to information and improved usage of the Sam's Club App while shopping. Sam's Club also launched a mobile web version of samsclub.com to enhance the experience for web-enabled phone users.

More information, including an interactive video, can be found at www.samsclub.com/mobile.

*Source: based on a proprietary Sam's Club study, August 2010

About Sam's Club

Sam's Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT). The first Sam's Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Okla., in 1983. Today, Sam's Club serves more than 47 million U.S. Members with locations nationwide, as well as in Brazil, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sam's Club saves its members on average 30.4 percent over grocery and specialty retailers by offering superior values on quality merchandise and services for home or work. Saving is made simple at Sam's Club. Visit samsclub.com for more information.

SOURCE Sam's Club