Yes, Walmart owns Sam's Club. Sam's Club operates as a subsidiary of Walmart Inc., the multinational retail corporation.
The Relationship Between Walmart and Sam's Club
Sam's Club is a membership-only retail warehouse club that functions as a division of Walmart Inc. Their shared origin lies with the visionary founder, Sam Walton, who also established Walmart. This deep-rooted connection highlights their intertwined business histories and operational structures.
A Shared Legacy and Strategic Growth
Sam Walton opened the first Sam's Wholesale Club on April 7, 1983, in Midwest City, Oklahoma. This venture was launched 21 years after he founded Walmart, demonstrating his continued innovation in the retail sector. The growth of Sam's Club was further propelled when Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (now Walmart Inc.) strategically acquired other wholesale operations. For instance, in 1987, Wal-Mart Stores purchased the SuperSaver Wholesale Warehouse Club, which was based in West Monroe, Louisiana. This acquisition significantly expanded the Sam's Wholesale Club chain by adding 24 locations, solidifying its position as a major player in the warehouse club market under Walmart's umbrella.
The relationship can be summarized as follows:
- Founder: Both Walmart and Sam's Club were founded by Sam Walton.
- Ownership: Sam's Club is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc.
- Operations: Sam's Club operates as a separate membership-based retail warehouse chain, offering bulk goods and specialized services, while leveraging the broader infrastructure and strategic direction of its parent company.
Key Milestones in Their Development
To illustrate the relationship and history:
| Entity | Founder | Year Founded | Parent Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Sam Walton | 1962 | N/A |
| Sam's Club | Sam Walton | 1983 | Walmart Inc. |
This direct ownership and shared history underpin the strong operational and strategic ties between the two retail giants. While they serve different market segments (Walmart for everyday low prices across various formats, Sam's Club for bulk purchases and membership benefits), they are fundamentally part of the same corporate family.
