Sam's Club

[Pete]

They are moving super fast on this, as the exterior is almost finished.

I bet they open next month.

[jompster]

I'm not sure at what speed Sam's moves in relation to a new Walmart, but when the new Walmart I worked for in 2007 opened, we took possession of the building only after it was complete and the exterior landscaping and parking was completed, and it was about 7 weeks after that to get the interior fitted out and stocked. They'll probably be ready just at the beginning of November sometime I would imagine.

[Pete]

Went by there yesterday and the lights are on inside and they are working away...

I bet they'll be open before Thanksgiving.

[MagzOK]

Yay! I'm just stoked that I don't have to go to Penn and Memorial anymore for Sam's!

[Pete]

I'm not sure if I'll get a Sam's membership (may do it just for dog food, as they have great prices on that stuff and my 3 go through a lot) but I agree that location is going to be excellent.

In fact, I've already made a few runs to the Lowes just to the south and *love* that location. Super easy to get to from downtown and not completely overrun, even on the weekends.

Now, if we can just get the Winco fired up at 39th & Portland, we'll have quite a grouping of big retailers on the near NW side.

[Bullbear]

My other half thinks with Sam's coming this close to our place we need to get a membership. I don't really see the need and probably wont since I don't shop with Walmart. I have ran through my head trying to find a reason and I just don't see one. I do think its a great location though and glad that old Dealership lot is finally gone!.

I use Lowe's all the time though and look forward to Winco!

[shawnw]

There's a Sam's membership Groupon out this morning if that helps any decision making processes.

[AP]

Since it is reasonably close to my home, I've been talking with my fiance about getting a membership.

[Jim Kyle]

I have ran through my head trying to find a reason and I just don't see one.

My main reason for maintaining a membership (which I've had since 1992) is that it's the only place I've yet found that carries Hormel's pre-cooked bacon in the thin-sliced version. Other grocers seem to stock only the thick-sliced version. Putting 12 strips between two paper towels in the microwave and zapping them for 60 seconds provides a nice breakfast for my honey and me, alongside a couple of waffles or pancakes (courtesy of Eggo) on these frosty mornings... Thus I try to keep at least a couple of their bulk packages in the fridge at all times. To quote Ed McMahon, "When the (bacon) gets down to four, that's the time to buy some more!"

[catch22]

My main reason for maintaining a membership (which I've had since 1992) is that it's the only place I've yet found that carries Hormel's pre-cooked bacon in the thin-sliced version. Other grocers seem to stock only the thick-sliced version. Putting 12 strips between two paper towels in the microwave and zapping them for 60 seconds provides a nice breakfast for my honey and me, alongside a couple of waffles or pancakes (courtesy of Eggo) on these frosty mornings... Thus I try to keep at least a couple of their bulk packages in the fridge at all times. To quote Ed McMahon, "When the (bacon) gets down to four, that's the time to buy some more!"

That's why I got a Costco membership. It really is the best bacon you can buy without the mess of pans and grease everywhere. Glad I am not the only one.

[Jim Kyle]

I'd love to have a Costco in OKC. Until they decide to arrive, though, I gotta make do with what's available...

[catch22]

I'd love to have a Costco in OKC. Until they decide to arrive, though, I gotta make do with what's available...

I honestly cannot tell the difference. I've been going to Sam's for many years with my father in OKC, and I just got my Costco membership here. Seems pretty much the same...

[turnpup]

My main reason for maintaining a membership (which I've had since 1992) is that it's the only place I've yet found that carries Hormel's pre-cooked bacon in the thin-sliced version. Other grocers seem to stock only the thick-sliced version. Putting 12 strips between two paper towels in the microwave and zapping them for 60 seconds provides a nice breakfast for my honey and me, alongside a couple of waffles or pancakes (courtesy of Eggo) on these frosty mornings... Thus I try to keep at least a couple of their bulk packages in the fridge at all times. To quote Ed McMahon, "When the (bacon) gets down to four, that's the time to buy some more!"

Same here! We've tried other brands' pre-cooked bacon and it doesn't compare.

[betts]

It is big, beige and bland though. Ugh. They make enough to spend a bit on improving the look of their stores and parking lots.

[MagzOK]

It is big, beige and bland though. Ugh. They make enough to spend a bit on improving the look of their stores and parking lots.

Totally agree.

[foodiefan]

It is big, beige and bland though. Ugh. They make enough to spend a bit on improving the look of their stores and parking lots.

concur. . . but a lot better than what was there. . .and so glad to have a Sam's in my 'hood

[betts]

I have not shopped at any Walmart or Sam's since our printer broke in the middle of the night when my son had a paper due at 8 am. That was 8 years ago. I will do so when they start thinking a bit more about the community, their employees and aesthetics.

[Pete]

From yesterday:

[Brett]

It looks like they will be pouring concrete for the parking lot soon.

[sroberts24]

They were selling memberships at the Neighborhood Walmart at 23rd and Penn on Saturday. Said the new Sams will open March 3rd.

[Pete]

Wow, March 3rd??

Looks like they could open almost any time now.

[Bullbear]

I'm a bit surprised for it to be March 3rd. already having hiring signs up and as complete as the build looks.. I was guessing before Christmas.

[Urbanized]

Wow, March 3rd??

Looks like they could open almost any time now.

Setting fixtures and merchandising can take quite a bit of time for a store of that size, and usually doesn't begin until all on-site construction is completed (occupancy permit). Were you able to see in windows, and if so, did you see any fixtures or merch?

I was on the opening day crew of the Builder's Square (RIP) at NW 36th and May back in 1986, and literally helped unload the first truckload of fixtures as they were delivered. It took us well over a month - maybe even two - to assemble and set them and to receive merchandise and display according to planogram. Of course back then we had to put SKU stickers on every single item, but we were also a MUCH smaller footprint than a Sam's.

[Pete]

^

Right, but I've seen Costco's built and occupied in a matter of months. There are far, far fewer items in a warehouse store and most of it is on pallets. And virtually no fixtures apart from uniform industrial racks.

I suspect they were going to slightly miss Thanksgiving and decided to put their time and effort into the stores that could be opened sooner.

[Uptowner]

I admit to being a sam's consumer. I can't resist buying buying 3 months of paper goods and snacks in 2lb jugs.