When Do the New Hours Begin?
Starting Sunday, October 12, Sam’s Club will officially roll out its extended hours nationwide. According to Steven Zapata, Director of Corporate Communications, the change comes in response to “overwhelming feedback” from members asking for more accessible shopping times.
Updated Daily Schedule
Most Sam’s Club locations will now operate under a simplified schedule:
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, including weekends.
- Sundays see the biggest shift, expanding from a previous 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM to the full 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM timeframe.
Exclusive Access: What’s Changing for Plus Members?
Sam’s Club Plus Members, who previously enjoyed a two-hour head start on most days, will now have exclusive early access from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM daily. While this technically reduces the exclusive time, it aligns with the new simplified schedule.
Special Holiday Hours: A Shift in Tradition
In a break from previous years, Sam’s Club is extending its hours on major holidays:
- Open until 8:00 PM on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve.
- Early closures at 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve.
- Closed entirely on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Easter.
Sunday Operations: A Detailed Look
Sam’s Club has also fine-tuned its Sunday operations to better serve various member needs:
- Curbside Pickup: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Plus Member Shopping: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- General Member Shopping: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Café Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Fuel Stations: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Membership Pricing: A Quick Recap
While hours are changing, the membership pricing remains steady after a price increase in October 2022—the first in nine years.
- Club Membership: $50/year
- Plus Membership: $110/year (includes early access and added perks)
Limited-Time Offer
New members can take advantage of promotional pricing through October 31:
- Club Membership: $15
- Plus Membership: $50
Costco’s Competitive Moves
Early Access for Executive Members
Costco has implemented its own access strategy. Executive members enjoy early entry at 9:00 AM daily, verified through a digital membership card scan at the door. Notably, Saturday’s early access is only 30 minutes, compared to an hour on other days.
Later Closures on Saturdays
All Costco locations now close at 7:00 PM on Saturdays, adding an hour to the previous schedule. According to CFO Gary Millerchip, this change has driven a 1% increase in weekly U.S. sales, along with a 9.3% year-over-year rise in membership upgrades.
Final Thoughts: A Battle of Convenience
As competition heats up between warehouse giants, these operational shifts reflect a broader effort to cater to evolving consumer needs. By extending store hours and enhancing membership perks, Sam’s Club is doubling down on convenience—just in time for the busiest shopping season of the year.
