Walmart's warehouse club concept debuted in April 1983

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam’s Club is marking its 40th anniversary this month with in-club events and special deals, including the chance for first-time members to join for as little as $10.

The Walmart division plans to continue the celebration throughout the year with surprises and special offers for members.

The first Sam’s outlet opened on April 7, 1983, in Midwest City, Okla., as Sam’s Wholesale Club. It has since has grown into a multi-billion-dollar company with nearly 600 locations operating in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Over the last four decades, Sam’s Club has evolved from an experiment launched by Walmart and Sam’s Club founder Sam Walton to a business that curates a diverse selection of quality items offered at incredible value for families and small business owners.

The milestone has inspired a series of activations to celebrate Sam’s Club members and welcome new ones including:

• • Membership Offer: Take $40 off a first-time membership to celebrate 40 years of Sam’s Club. These savings mean Club memberships will be available for just $10 and Plus memberships are $70 during the first year of membership (Plus members get the best of what Sam’s Club has to offer such as free shipping on most items, 2% Sam’s Cash on most purchases, and early shopping hours). The offer is available April 14 through April 19 and is redeemable in-club or online.
  • Free Sweet Treat and Fountain Drink: Sam’s Club is celebrating members in club on April 15. Visit any club in the U.S. or Puerto Rico for a free sweet treat and a free fountain drink, while supplies last. Clubs will also have special Member’s Mark™ samples available that day.
  • Limited-time Café item: Sam’s Club added a new, limited-time item to its Café menu to celebrate the milestone. The birthday cake sundae is available through the end of April. The new treat features layers of frozen yogurt and festive birthday cake with icing and sprinkles for just $1.58.
  • Exclusive Member Offers: The celebration continues with over $100 in offers for members. Beginning April 14 through May 1, offers will be available on various items through Scan & Go™ checkout, Curbside Pickup and Same-Day Delivery. Find more information on these savings here.
  • Club Events: Many clubs across the country will host outdoor and in-club experiences throughout the year that include the Member’s Mark™ Food Truck, supplier activations, and more. Members can find more information about these events here.
  • Commemorative Merchandise: Members can show off their own big brand energy with vintage-inspired merchandise that delivers early 80s logo styles on everything from T-shirts and sweatshirts to hats and mixtape stickers.

“From the day we opened our doors, we’ve worked hard to build relationships and create experiences that earn our members’ loyalty,” said Ciara Anfield, Chief Member and Marketing Officer, Sam’s Club. “That passion is reinforced today through a member-obsessed culture focused on delivering value through price, quality, convenience and assortment.”

Sam’s Club has recorded historic growth in sales and membership in the last three years. In February, the warehouse club announced record membership numbers and same-store sales growth. That growth is fueling expansion. Sam’s Club also announced plans to open 30 new clubs, as well as new fulfillment and distribution centers over the next few years.

“Forty years in and yet we’re just getting started,” Anfield added. “Our momentum is fueling our focus on keeping our members at the center of all we do. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with them.”