A banner on the west side of U.S. Hwy. 301 at Big Bend Rd. in Riverview notifies motorists of a brand new 136,000-sq.-ft. Sam’s Club slated to open in early 2011, promising new products, savings for its members and new jobs for area residents.

The first Sam’s Club, a members-only warehouse, opened its doors in Midwest City, Oklahoma, in 1983. While it took 27 years to reach Riverview, the retail giant is pleased to increase the number of its store locations with the construction of a brand new store, slated to open in early 2011 at the corner of Big Bend Rd. and U.S. Hwy. 301.
The new store will anchor the Riverview Bell Plaza, which now features dozens of brand new restaurants like Village Inn, Sonic, Applebee’s, Burger King, East Coast Pizza and well-known businesses such as Tuffy and Walgreens, not to mention a state-of-the-art 32-lane bowling alley.
According to Sam’s Club Public Relations Manager Kristy L. Reed, today, Sam’s Club operates 607 locations nationwide, sporting stores that measure approximately 132,000 sq. feet, each employing close to 175 associates.
Reed said that while the Riverview store will be similar to other Sam’s Club locations in the general area, it will be a bit larger than most of its sister stores, measuring about 136,000 sq. feet in size, and will employ approximately 150 associates.
As for the club’s location, Reed mentioned that Riverview was an ideal spot, benefiting both the residents and the club’s members and its interests.
“We want to provide additional products and services to our members at a location that’s convenient for them,” she said. “We chose the Riverview region because it’s a good trade area.”
Construction began in April of this year and is expected to be completed early next year.
Reed said, “Details about this type of expenditure can by found by visiting the company’s Website at www.walmartstores.com/investors.”
Sam’s Club’s annual membership fee is $35 for businesses and $40 for individuals, which the store claims to helps defray its operating costs and keep its prices low.
By saving money on office products, business materials and supplies for a wide range of businesses such as beauty and barber shops, restaurants and food services, vending and concessions, childcare and schools, contractors and maintenance and automotive, just to name a few, Sam’s Club promises to help the small business owner.
The Sam’s Club Pharmacy at each location stocks more than 300 of the most commonly prescribed medications for just $4 and guarantees to beat any price for branded prescriptions.
For more information about Sam’s Club, please visit www3.samsclub.com/NewsRoom/AboutUs/Facts.

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