Worcester Welcomes New Sam's Club®

WORCESTER, Mass., April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Worcester's only warehouse club adds convenience and services for its local members when the newly relocated Sam's Club opens Thursday, May 3 at 8 a.m. The new club, located at 1 Tobias Boland Way, is in a location situated between two heavily traveled arteries, 1-90 and I-290.

"Our club has been a mainstay in Worcester for nearly 20 years, and members will appreciate the new, larger location," said Worcester Sam's Club manager Dave Bennett. "In addition to 35,000 more square feet and a fresh, bright atmosphere, members will notice new amenities such as a pharmacy, optical center, cafe, one-hour photo and a state-of-the-art tire and battery center."

The Worcester Sam's Club measures approximately 139,000 square feet, offering members an expanded selection of merchandise, such as fresh produce, quality meats, and home meal solutions along with exciting summertime items like hybrid grills and coolers. Tech lovers will find it easy to keep up with the latest trends and hottest products in the club's expanded electronics department.

"Sam's Club is a welcome addition to the Route 146 corridor," said Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty. "This part of the city is undergoing a transformation with an increase of retail stores and restaurants, and the Sam's Club relocation gives further options to consumers in this part of the city.  I am happy to see that this relocation and expansion is adding new permanent jobs in addition to the hundreds of men and women who worked to build this building from the local trades."

New Club Environmentally-Friendly, Will Employ 170 Associates

The new Worcester club was constructed with a variety of environmentally-friendly materials and energy-efficient fixtures. Numerous daylight-harvesting skylights reduce the amount of energy required to light the club 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.

The Worcester Sam's Club plans to employ approximately 170 associates, including 40 new positions created by the relocation. Five associates have worked at the Worcester Sam's Club for nearly two decades when the original Worcester Club opened.

"Our five charter associates, who have worked at the club since its original opening in 1993, exemplify the dedication of our entire team," Bennett said. "Our team takes great pride in the beautiful new facility they have helped shape, and their hard work is to be commended."

Bennett started his career with Sam's Club in October 2004 in his hometown of Bangor, Maine. Over the past seven years, he has worked in various locations and with several managers before arriving in Worcester a year ago.

"The opportunity with Sam's Club to move around and experience different settings has helped to shape my career and develop my management skills," Bennett said. "I look forward to continuing to serve our Worcester members."

New Pharmacy, Optical Center Offer Added Convenience

The new club debuts a Sam's Club pharmacy, open to members and the public, featuring $4 and $10 generic prescriptions and savings on branded prescriptions. Another health and wellness benefit is the club's new optical department.

Sam's Club will also offer free monthly health screenings to help members all people, whether members or not, take charge of their health through preventive measures.

Added Savings with eValues

A membership benefit program called eValues for Sam's Club Plus members ($100 per year membership) provides customized savings on hundreds of items throughout the club, including fresh foods, health and beauty products, and office supplies. With no coupons to clip and no rebate forms to complete and mail, Sam's Club Plus members receive personalized offers tailored to them.  To keep savings simple, eValues discounts are automatically taken at the register with a simple swipe of a membership card.

Grand Opening Event

The grand opening ceremony will take place at 8 a.m., May 3. Numerous local dignitaries, including Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and Dick Kennedy, president of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, will be in attendance, along with 170 Sam's Club associates. The South High School Marching Band will present the colors as well as perform, and associate Nathan Stevens will perform the national anthem.

Sam's Club Membership

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 more information.

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