Walmart is offering consumers the option to combine Walmart and Sam’s Club loyalty memberships at a lower, value-added price.
The combo deal could boost Walmart’s competitive advantage over rivals in the warehouse club, mass market, and digital sectors by making its membership programs more attractive to lower- and middle-income consumers who spend discretionary income on multiple retail and streaming service fees.
While the basic deal applies to new enrollments, Walmart is extending benefits to consumers already participating in its membership programs. The retailer said dual Walmart+ and Sam’s Club Plus enrollments are available as a package for $120 a year, almost $100 less than memberships to each chain when paid separately.
Walmart reported that consumers signing up for the combined membership get:
- Sam’s Club access and in-store members-only prices on brand-name products and Member’s Mark favorites.
- Free delivery from Walmart and Sam’s Club, with a $35 minimum on mass-market orders and a $50 minimum on club orders.
- Choose Peacock or Paramount+ streaming services.
- Gas savings of up to 10 cents a gallon at more than 17,000 participating stations.
- 2% Sam’s Cash on eligible purchases.
Walmart stressed the deal is especially appealing because, annually, it can cost $139 for a retail membership with delivery, $130 for a warehouse club enrollment, and $129.99 for a single, stand-alone streaming service. Walmart also noted that free delivery includes prescriptions.
The dual membership program includes perks tied to major promotions, such as early access to deals and other special benefits, along with seasonal and weekly price breaks.
For consumers already in one of its programs, the company explained that Walmart+ members can add Sam’s Club Plus for just $22 more a year. Warehouse club members can upgrade to Sam’s Club Plus for $60 more per year and add Walmart+. Sam’s Club Plus members can activate Walmart+ at no additional cost. Consumers already in both programs can link their Walmart+ and Sam’s Club accounts, and most members are eligible for a prorated refund for Walmart+.
“We’re giving people a reason to expect more from their memberships,” said John Furner, Walmart president and CEO. “For $120 a year, we’re raising expectations for what a membership can deliver: more money in their pockets and more time to call their own.”
