Walmart Launches $120 Joint Membership

Walmart has launched a joint membership combining its namesake chain and Sam's Club, offering various benefits for $120 per year. This price is nearly $100 less than buying individual annual memberships to each retailer.

The joint membership gives customers access to Sam's Club warehouses, free delivery from both chains, a subscription to Peacock or Paramount+ streaming services, gas savings, and 2% Sam's Club cash on eligible purchases. This move aims to drive sales and provide value to cash-strapped shoppers amidst economic uncertainty.

Sam's Club saw a 26% increase in e-commerce sales in the fiscal second quarter, with net sales of $25.7 billion, including fuel. Walmart also reported a 17% increase globally in revenue from its membership in the fiscal second quarter.

The announcement comes as Walmart bets on convenience to drive sales, especially as consumer wallets are squeezed by high gas and food prices. According to Walmart CEO John Furner, the membership is designed to give people a reason to expect more from their memberships, providing more money in their pockets and more time to call their own.

## Why it matters The joint membership could allow the store models to complement one another, with Walmart's customers shopping for routine essentials and Sam's Club warehouses offering bulk purchases. As consumer spending remains strong despite higher fuel prices, Walmart is raising its outlook for the year, and this new membership is a key part of its strategy to win over cash-strapped shoppers.

There is no monthly payment option for the new joint membership, but customers who already have accounts at both stores can link their accounts to receive the discount. The joint membership is available starting now, and it remains to be seen how it will impact Walmart's sales and revenue in the coming quarters.