Club helps families and small business owners, creates new jobs and donates surplus food

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 13, 2008 – A new Sam’s Club will open in east Richmond as an anchor store in the new White Oak Village shopping center. In addition to providing warehouse club savings to its Members, the Club will have a significant impact on this revitalized section of the city by bringing 180 new jobs and by actively participating in a program to donate surplus food to an area food bank. It will open Thursday, Oct. 23, and is located at 4571 S. Laburnum near Interstate 64.

“The White Oak Village project is a huge win for our region in terms of the economic impact it will have on businesses and residents in this community,” said Kim Scheeler, president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce. “Knowing Sam’s Club has signed on as an anchor tenant in particular is very encouraging, as they’re an organization committed to providing cost savings to residents and small businesses. That’s great news for Chamber members and the region as a whole.”

Club Features Familiar and Unexpected Merchandise
“Sam’s Club is dedicated to providing goods and services for budget-conscious shoppers,” said Club Manager Brian Vicars. “Our Members save money whether they are taking advantage of $4 prescriptions in our pharmacy, buying gas, decorating for the holidays or purchasing high-end electronics and jewelry.” The new Club will feature a wide variety of merchandise that reflects the growing diversity among warehouse club shoppers. “More and more people turn to Sam’s Club to help them save money in this tighter economy,” Vicars said. “Small-business owners, families and even college students are finding that their money goes farther here.”

The new Richmond Club will offer the office supplies and bulk food and cleaning items that Sam’s Club Members have come to expect. However, it will also offer some surprising items such as gourmet cheeses and wines, designer handbags and holiday beer. Affordable room and dorm furnishings, electronics and apparel will appeal to area college students, who can take advantage of a $15 gift card when they sign-up for a new Collegiate Membership. Each Collegiate Membership comes with a complimentary add-on card so roommates or housemates can share savings as well as shopping duties. (Editor’s Note: For more information about the types of Sam’s Club Memberships that are available, go to www.samsclub.com.)

A special Home Efficiency Center will feature a selection of products and appliances that promote energy efficiency, water conservation and environmental sustainability. Items include a full line of Energy Star® appliances as well as low flow toilets and advanced high efficiency shower heads. There is also an assortment of lighting options including compact fluorescent light bulbs and the next generation LED energy-efficient lights for the home.

Club Brings 180+ Jobs to Area
In addition to saving Members money, the new Club will benefit the Richmond area by creating approximately 185 new jobs. “Sam’s Club offers tremendous opportunities for hourly associates as well as those who wish to build a career with the company through the management training program,” Vicars said. “My own career is a great example. I began my career with Walmart in 2001 as an hourly associate in Knoxville and today am managing this new club.”

New Club Helps Community with Donations of Surplus Food and Grants
The new Club will be an active participant in a partnership garnered between Sam’s Club and Feeding America—The Nation’s Food Bank Network. Sam’s Club will donate nutritious, protein-rich food to an area food bank. Locally, the Sam’s Club locations on Broad Street and in Midlothian have donated surplus food to the Central Virginia Food Bank since August.

“We have collected almost 5,000 pounds of food in only 10 weeks,” said Rick Holzbach, Central Virginia Food Bank food resource manager. “We look forward to adding the Laburnum Avenue Club to our collection route and to partnering with them to help address the issue of hunger here in Richmond.” Donated food items include meat, bakery items and deli products that are less than four days beyond the sell-by date.

“In addition to helping our community by providing food to people in need, we are also helping to reduce waste,” Vicars added.

As part of the grand opening celebration, $18,000 will be distributed among community organizations and charitable groups that benefit the community. The grants will be given at Community Day. The Club will donate additional funds throughout the year. (Editor’s Note: A complete list of grants is on page 3 of this release.)

Grand opening events
Grand opening day events will kick off with a brief ceremony and ribbon cutting at 9:45 a.m. on Oct. 23. Activities throughout the day and following week include Washington Redskins’ legend, Gary Clark, appearance, Wingfest and Sony Store-in-a-Club. Numerous food and beverage samplings will be available as well.

About Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT). The first Sam’s Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Okla., in 1983. Today, Sam’s Club serves more than 47 million U.S. Members with locations nationwide and in Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sam’s Club offers exceptional values on merchandise and services for business owners and consumers. Online merchandise and Club information is available at samsclub.com.

EDITOR’S NOTES

• A preview event is scheduled for Business Members on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7 a.m. until noon.
• Community Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 9:45 a.m. Community grants will be presented at 10 a.m., followed by a brief tour of the new facility. Reporters and photographers are encouraged to attend.
• Brian Vicars, Club Manager, can provide details about the grand opening, offer quotes for interviews and arrange for photo opportunities or preview tours. He can be contacted at 804-222-8094.
• Statements and quotes on behalf of Sam’s Club should not be obtained from or attributed to agency employees.

Fact Sheet
Richmond Sam’s Club

Club Fast Facts

• Grand opening: Thursday, Oct. 23, 9:45 a.m.
• Business Preview: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7 a.m. until noon (for Business Members only)
• Community Day: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 9:45 a.m. Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend.
• Address: 4571 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. (White Oak Village shopping center)
• Club hours:
  • Gold Key hours for Business Memberships: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mon. – Fri.; 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sat.
  • All Memberships: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri.; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun.
• 137,720 square foot Sam’s Club
• The Club will employ approximately 185 associates
• Club Manager Brian Vicars started his career with Sam’s Club in 2001 as an hourly associate in Knoxville, Tenn.

Merchandise Mix

• Fuel station with 12 pumps is located in front of the Club
• • Available products include electronics; computer software; mattresses; rotisserie chicken; fresh meats; outdoor living furniture; office products; appliances; restaurant and foodservice supplies, vending and concession supplies, health, beauty and medical supplies; apparel; holiday décor; fitness equipment; toys; and flowers, gifts and awards.
• Luxury items include designer handbags, jewelry, gourmet and organic foods, wine, crystal and collectibles.
• The Club offers a fuel station, a pharmacy, a one-hour photo lab, tire and battery services, a bakery, a fresh floral department, an optical center and a café.
• Members also enjoy healthcare, business, financial and personal services such as health and medical discount programs, roadside assistance, travel services, auto, boat and RV programs and cost effective merchant credit card processing solutions provided by third-party vendors.

Membership Options

• Advantage Membership - $40
• Business Membership - $35
• Advantage PLUS Membership - $100
• Business PLUS Membership - $100
• Collegiate Membership - $40, includes a $15 gift card and complimentary Membership

Editor’s Note: For more detailed information on the Membership options, visit a Sam’s Club location or samsclub.com.

Community Contributions

• The Club will distribute $18,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations in celebration of its grand opening. Grant checks will be distributed to representatives of the charities at the Club’s Community Day Oct. 21 at 9:45 a.m. Recipients include:
  • Central Virginia Food Bank and Henrico Education Foundation, each $5,000
  • Henrico Police and Fire Departments, each $2500
  • Henrico Animal Shelter, Richmond Community Action Group and Va Holocaust Foundation Museum, each $1000

For more information

• Club Manager: Brian Vicars, 804-222-8094
• Sam’s Club information online: www.samsclub.com

Grand Opening Events
Richmond Sam’s Club

Celebrity and Special Guest Appearances

• Oct. 23, noon to 2 p.m.: Washington Redskins’ legend, Gary Clark, is scheduled to appear for autographs and photos.

Member Activities

• Oct. 25 – Oct. 26: Wingfest, provides tips and ideas to help Members plan their ultimate football parties

Special Product Assortment

• Oct 23-26, Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, Nov. 6-9: Sony Store-in-a-Club staffed with Sony trained personnel and includes additional items

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