Of course, that was then and this is now.
Costco, meanwhile, has been enjoying incredible success lately by selling a relatively unique product: gold bars.
A Wells Fargo analysisestimatesthe warehouse club generates up to $200 million in monthly gold bar sales.
Photos: Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!
But how are the two bulk-retail juggernauts faring this year?
Let’s take a closer look at who is winning the warehouse club wars of 2024.
Sales
Costco typically outsells its closest competitor by a wide margin and this year is no different.
Photo: Shutterstock
Sam’s Club, on the other hand, is certainly no slouch in the sales department, either.
This past February, Costco visits increased by a significant 10.9%.
For example, Sam’s Club’s monthly visits improved by a comparatively meager 1.9% in April 2024.
Photo: Shutterstock
Today, the warehouse chainboastsan impressive domestic store count of 609 and an overall tally of 882 warehouses worldwide.
Sam’s Club also operates warehouses in both Mexico and China.
Customers pay a reasonable annual fee, and enjoy access to bulk goods at discount prices all year long.
Photo: Vladimka production / Shutterstock
Costco made headlines earlier this month afterannouncingit would be raising annual fees later this year.
Sam’s Club raised its membership fees around two years ago.
Nowadays, an annual club membership can be had for $50 while a Plus membership costs $110.
Photo: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock
The leading warehouse club is unmatched when it comes to profits, foot traffic, and number of locations.
Shutterstock
Photo: Philip Arno Photography / Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!
