There’s nothing fancy about Sam’s Club; it’s a utilitarian place that has everything you need, when you need it. Owned and operated by Walmart, Sam’s Club was founded in 1983 in the US and grew into a major chain of warehouse stores.
Named after founder Sam Walton, Sam’s Club operates on a membership structure land sells items in bulk directly off pallets. In the US, the average Sam’s Club warehouse covers anywhere from 6,600sqm to 12,100sqm.
Though a branch opened four years ago at Yizhuang Creative Life Plaza in Daxing District, many expats aren’t aware of its existence. Like the original, the store features low prices, bulk merchandise, samples handed out by employees, lots of space, and a variety of products.
Tang Xu, the CEO of the real estate development company that owns Yizhuang Creative Life Plaza, envisioned Sam’s Club as an “experimental”
store, which sells imported goods and groceries as well as the best in local products.
“We provide customers from varying backgrounds with a range of choices. Many customers are likely to try something different here –
local products for foreigners and imported products for locals,” he says. “So we are actually introducing new experiences to many of our customers.”
The warehouse is basic but neatly laid-out. Products include ready-made foods, fresh produce, office supplies, bedding, furniture, kitchenware, electronics, wine and liquor, and clothes. Year-round bestsellers include locally-grown strawberries and watermelons. Other customer favorites include kiwis from New Zealand, cherries from Chile, pitted prunes from the US, bottled Stella Artois beer, Similac infant formula, Danish pastries from the bakery, and sushi-to-go from the kitchen.
Be sure to look out for the farmer’s market section located in the center aisles, as you’re likely to find some of the freshest local produce there.
While Sam’s Club sells imported products from all over the world, the store doesn’t lack in Chinese selections. Whether you’re a fan of Pepperdine Farm blueberry cobbler or Xufuji sesame crackers, you’ll find it at Sam’s Club.
Customers can also shop on the official website, though the interface is in Chinese only. Depending on the area, delivery costs RMB 10 to 30 for purchases under RMB 200 and is free for orders over RMB 200. Free delivery is also available for in-store purchases of over RMB 2,000. Membership costs RMB 150 per year. All major local and international credit cards are accepted.
Sam’s Club 山姆会员商店
Daily 8am-11pm. Yizhuang Creative Life Plaza, 6 Wenhuayuan
Donglu, Daxing District (6785 9228) www.samsclub.cn
大兴区文化园东路6号亦庄创意生活广场
This article originally appeared on page 18 of the March 2015 Issue of beijingkids. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com
