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7 WALMART 2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Sam
’s Club
Sales at our Sam’s Club segment grew
by 6.7 percent for the scal year and ended
at a record $44.4 billion. With its focus on
low-cost, ecient operations, Sam’s Club
continued its trend of growing segment
operating income faster than sales.
Sam’s Club celebrates its 25th anniversary
in April 2008. In 1983, when Sam Walton
opened the first club in Midwest City,
Oklahoma, his vision was to lower the cost
of doing business for small businesses.
Sam’s Clubs continue to have a special
appeal to small business members.
Like many of our Advantage members,
Business members also look forward to
Sam’s product offerings that combine
quality, value and innovation – such as
large screen Sony® LCD TVs and gourmet
foods, including Penfolds® Grange world-
renowned Shiraz wine and USDA Choice
tenderloin steaks.
The quality of the diamonds we oer – in
our clubs and by special order – meets or
exceeds the high-end of the assortment
in most jewelry stores, and at a substan-
tial savings.
Our Advantage members are families and
individuals that appreciate Sam’s Club quality
and value. We are focused on being relevant
to these members through a targeted assort-
ment, as well as with unique and exciting
limited-time “treasure hunt” items. We again
are increasing the quality and choice of our
Member’s Mark® private brand oerings.
We continue to strengthen our
relationships with current members to
respond even better to their evolving
individual needs. We also are focused on
demonstrating the compelling value of a
Sam’s Club membership.
The clubs achieved a five-year high
on member service scores in fiscal year
2008, reecting the eorts our associates
are making every day to provide our
members with a friendly and efficient
shopping experience.
Sam’s Club
Highlights for Fiscal 2008
• Increased net sales by 6.7%,
to $44.4 billion
• Grew comparable club sales 4.9%,
with fuel
• Leveraged expenses
• Generated segment operating
income of $1.6 billion, up 9.3%
• Grew segment operating income
faster than sales
• Grew inventory at less than 0.4%,
versus a sales increase of 6.7%
• Improved member experience scores
to a four-year high at U.S. clubs
7
Better Value
Wal-Mart Brazil serves low-income
customers eciently through its
Todo Dia stores.
Updated Identity
Sam’s Club refreshed its identity with
a new logo. In 2008, Sam’s Club
celebrates its 25th anniversary of
being in business to serve members.
More Prepared Foods
In many markets across the United States, Sam’s Club is
rolling out new meal replacement oerings that provide
members a complete meal they can grab and take home.
Fast, Convenient Service
Click ‘n’ Pull® and Fax ‘n’ Pull® are Sam’s Club conveniences
that let business members get in and out faster because
their order is ready when they arrive.
bs around the world