Sam’s Club Holiday Meeting Recap & $25 GC Giveaway (Ended)

Last week  I attended the Sam’s Club Holiday Meeting in Orlando, Fl.

I was given the exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet with the buyers who bring the products to Sam’s Club.

I can’t share pictures with you until November, when the products hit the shelves. But, I can say there is some pretty awesome stuff coming this fall and holiday season!

After attending the meeting, I have a really good understanding of the company and its products.

Most importantly, Sam’s Club works hard to keep their prices low and bring value to the customer.

During my stay we went off-site for lunch and dinner. We didn’t eat at chain restaurants, but rather at mom & pop family dining establishments that purchase their food from Sam’s Club. I thought this was awesome! Even on business trips, Sam’s Club doesn’t forget their customers, and when possible, gives them business. This of course helps Sam’s Club and the local businesses that purchase from them.

This is just one tiny example of how Sam’s Club thinks outside the box, to keep their prices low.

Of course, their buyers work hard as well.

I met with buyers from each of the major departments, and here is a sneak peek of whats in store for fall and holiday at Sam’s Club-

Toys

• This year Sam’s Club is focused on quality and durability. Bringing you toys that are build to last, with the expectation to hand-down to siblings.

• Toys that are also found at other retailers will contain bonus items at Sam’s Club- for the same price or better.

• Melissa & Doug in stores for the first time

• Sam’s Club toy buyers went out to find the one best item in each category.  Less items to choose from, but guaranteed you are getting quality and value.

Holiday Gifts & Decor

• For holiday decor, there will be 4 popular color schemes to choose from. Each will coordinate with other items found in holiday gifts and decor, making holiday decoration stress-free.

• Decorations and lights come with storage solutions. Packaging is sturdy and can be reused and stored for multiple years of use.

• Holiday lights are all energy efficient

• Hostess gifts bundled in packs of 4. Great for the office, teachers. Many gifts bundled in 4 for $20- only $5 each!

Clothing

• Sam’s Club delivers quality and value in their clothing. These are brand names with the same quality or better than department stores.

• BUY EARLY! Clothing is gone before the season ends. Items not guaranteed to be restocked. (This is also true for most holiday and seasonal items)

Jewelry

• Sam’s Club has some amazing jewelry! This season lines will include Effy, Everlon (only club store with this line), Judith Ripka (LOVE!), Love Earth (ability to track the mine where it came from), as well as gorgeous sterling and 14K pieces. There is something for every budget.

• A little known fact is that you can special purchase Sam’s Club jewelry online. See something in store in 14K and want it in sterling silver? Sam’s Club online for special purchase can do that.

Gourmet Food & Beverages

• Bigger selection of gourmet cheeses from around the world (The Blue Cheese is outstanding!)

• Baked in-store Artisan breads (great value!)

• Customer picked pies and cakes baked fresh in-store. Focus on presentation.

• Women in Wine- Selections from women wine makers around the world.

Tech

• 3D TV will be in stores!

• New WiFi TV will be available

• Great deals on DSLR camera bundles.

Another new addition for Sam’s Club is eValues. This benefit is automatically included with you Sam’s Club Plus membership. eValues are essentially coupons that are instantly applied when you purchase an item- no clipping required! You can upgrade your regular Sam’s Club membership to Plus anytime, at a prorated rate. As you enter Sam’s Club, there will be a scanner in where you can scan your card and have your eValues printed out. This is just another way to save even more by shopping at Sam’s Club!

WIN IT!

I have a $25 Sam’s Club GC to giveaway to 1 lucky reader!

To Enter:

Leave a comment letting me know-  What is your favorite thing to buy at Sam’s Club?  (required)

Bonus Entries:

1. Subscribe to my feed (1 entry)

2. Follow me on twitter @MommyMusings (1 entry)

3. Tweet about the contest (just click on the twitter bird below this post- May be done daily, 1 extra entry per day)

Contest ends Wednesday August 25, 2010. 1 winner will be chosen at random. US only please.

**Valid comments will be rescued from SPAM**

Good Luck!

Sam’s Club provided my accommodations and meals during the 2-day meeting. I also received a Sam’s Club gift card and upgraded Plus membership for my time. All opinions are my own.

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Tagged as: sam's club, sam's club holiday