Big Policy Changes Now Impacting Minnesota Sam’s Club Locations

In 1983, Sam Walton founded the first Sam's Club in Midwest City, Oklahoma, as a membership-only warehouse club to help small businesses buy products in bulk. At the time, it was an "experiment" to leverage Walmart's resources for other entrepreneurs.

Today, Sam's Club serves millions of members online and at approximately 600 Sam's Club stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, with each store location averaging around 136,000 square feet.

The retailer says it has now grown to offer solutions not just for entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also for families and everyday living, and it's looking to expand by opening about 15 new stores per year.

A key to its success is asking for feedback from its members and taking action based on their wants and needs, and it was customer feedback that led to big policy changes that are now impacting stores in Minnesota.

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Sam's Club Announces Changes To Store Policies

There are currently 12 Sam's Club locations in Minnesota, which are located in the following cities:

• Apple Valley
• Bloomington
• Eagan
• Fridley
• Hermantown
• Mankato
• Maple Grove
• Rochester
• Shakopee
• St. Cloud
• White Bear Lake
• Woodbury

Earlier this month, the retailer announced changes to store policies, the most significant being expanded club hours, which were a direct response to "overwhelming member feedback."

Sam's Club says it's now extending its operating hours to give members more time to shop in-club. Most clubs are now operating a simplified schedule of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Previously, club locations opened at 10 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Plus members will continue to get exclusive early access from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily. Below are the new Sunday hours for most clubs:

• Curbside Pickup: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Plus Member Shopping: 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
• Club Shopping: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Café: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Fuel: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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Club members should note that hours may vary on certain holidays. Clubs will remain open until 8 p.m. on Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve. On Christmas Eve, clubs will close at 6 p.m., and they will remain closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Easter.

Additional Policy Changes

Sam's Club announced another change designed to offer people "new ways to shop online and save time." There is now no minimum purchase requirement on Curbside Pickup, and an update to its Express delivery fees for Plus members.

• Curbside Pickup: Curbside Pickup is now free for both Club and Plus members with no minimum purchase required on every order, no matter the size.
• Express Delivery: Express delivery service has been simplified by offering a flat fee. For Plus members, the fee is now $8 per order with no minimum purchase (previously $16 if the order was under $50). Club members continue to pay a $20 flat rate per Express order.

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