Sam’s Club Opens in Harlingen, Many Attend Event

Sam’s Club opened its new Harlingen club at 621 N. Expressway 77 following an 8 a.m. Grand Opening ceremony Thursday, March 20, adding jobs and a quality shopping experience to the region. The membership warehouse club gave residents and small business owners the opportunity to access incredible savings on quality products, including products made in Texas.

It is the first Sam’s Club in Harlingen and the second in Cameron County.

“Harlingen has been waiting for a Sam’s Club for more than 20 years,” said local Sam’s Club Manager Gabby Goodwin. “Everyone was excited to see the doors open and we expected to impress our members. Our mission is to save our members money on items they use most while surprising them with the unexpected find.”

Grand Opening ceremony features local officials, special events

Sarah Trolinger, the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce’s interim president and chief executive officer, spoke on behalf of the Chamber, and members of the Chamber participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Marine Military Academy presented the colors, and the national anthem was performed by local artist Shannon Valdez.

“The City of Harlingen worked long and hard to bring Sam’s Club here,” Boswell said. “We did that because we know how important the economic impact will be to the City through job creation and tax revenue. But more importantly, I know that Sam’s Club will improve our city’s quality of life by having this shopping venue as an option. I’m reminded of it almost daily by people I talk to in our community. Everybody is excited about Sam’s Club.”

Sam’s Club is showcasing a variety of special events inside the club. Bear Paw Candy will be onsite with a variety of treats throughout this weekend. Other attractions include Chef Shamy’s Gourmet Butters and local products such as Chorizo San Manuel from nearby Edinberg, along with products that specifically cater to local members such as queso fresco, menudo and chamoy.

In addition, immunizations will be offered Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free health screenings will also be given to assess cholesterol, blood pressure, vision, hearing and a variety of other wellness areas.

Quality products help small businesses and busy families

Sam’s Club brought a unique, shopper-friendly experience to Harlingen. Busy families can rely on fresh produce, quality meats and home meal solutions, while office supplies, vending machine snacks and paper goods prepare small business members for success. Other benefits for small business owners include early shopping hours, personal shopping through Click ‘n’ Pull, truck-load savings, and access to quality items most often used by foodservice businesses, restaurant owners and caterers. Click ‘n’ Pull provides an innovative way for members to save time by using SamsClub.com to select items to be picked up at the club.

Measuring approximately 136,000 square feet, the new club features a variety of members-only amenities, including a fresh bakery, a tire and battery center, a café and a fuel station.

A number of health and wellness services are also available. The Sam’s Club Pharmacy, open to both members and the public, features many $4 and $10 generic prescriptions, as well as savings on branded prescriptions. The Optical Center offers $40 off each additional pair of regularly priced prescription eyeglasses with the purchase of a complete pair of eyeglasses at regular price. Lastly, at the Hearing Aid Center, Sam’s Club offers premium technology in hearing aids and personal listening devices with free hearing tests and services administered by a licensed hearing aid fitter and dispenser.

New club brings more than 185 new jobs to community, local giving

To staff the new Harlingen Sam’s Club, Sam’s Club hired more than 185 new associates. Sam’s Club currently employs more than 11,000 people in Texas.

“I am very grateful for all of the mentors in my career with Walmart and Sam’s Club,” said Goodwin. “I’m excited to lead our new Harlingen Sam’s Club. I am proud of what our team has accomplished and I look forward to serving our members and the Sam’s Club associates.”

Sam’s Club also has a commitment to give back to the communities it serves. Several local non-profit organizations benefited from special grants as part of the grand opening celebration, including Treasure Hills Elementary, Loaves and Fishes, Sunny Glen Children’s Home and the Harlingen Humane Society.

“Sam’s Club provided assistance to our organization through volunteerism months before they opened their doors,” said Sandra Rodriguez, who leads community and volunteer relations for Sunny Glen Children’s Home. “We appreciate their support and look forward to bettering our community with them in the future.”

Membership Information

Whether buying for a household or a business, a Sam’s Club membership offers exclusive savings on merchandise and outstanding member benefits. With access to Cash Rewards, additional Instant Savings and early shopping hours, Sam’s Plus memberships offer even more with premium service options. See the club or visit SamsClub.com for details. Sam’s Savings and Sam’s Business memberships are $45 annually, and Sam’s Plus memberships are $100. Special savings for college students and military families are also available. For more information, visit SamsClub.com/membership.

About Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services in more than 630 clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. To learn more about Savings Made Simple, visit the Sam’s Club Newsroom, shop at SamsClub.com, and interact with Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.