Sam's Club Expanded Member Feedback Program
The retailer grew its Member's Mark Community to over 200,000 shoppers to help guide private-label development.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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As of September 2026, Sam's Club has expanded its Member's Mark Community to 200,000 participants to influence product development. The retailer utilizes this group for surveys and home product testing to refine its private-label offerings.
Why it matters
The program helps Sam's Club better compete as consumers shift toward lower-priced private-label brands. By identifying preferences before products hit shelves, the retailer aims to improve its competitiveness in a price-sensitive market.
The Member's Mark Community grew from 50,000 participants in June 2024 to 200,000 members by late 2026. Data shows 39% of consumers are switching to lower-priced brands, with 32% purchasing more private-label products.
The players
Sam's Club
This membership-only warehouse club operates as a subsidiary of Walmart Inc. and provides bulk merchandise to consumers.
The details
Members provide feedback through structured surveys, in-home product tests, and organized tastings to shape the store's inventory. Recent initiatives include removing more than 40 specific ingredients from food items and launching a strawberry shortcake cookie based on consumer requests.
Timeline
Sam's Club established the Member's Mark Community in 2019.
The program reached 50,000 participants in June 2024.
Membership grew to 150,000 people by May 2026.
The Groceryshop conference took place in Las Vegas in September 2026.
Market Landscape
Retailers are increasingly utilizing direct consumer feedback loops to defend market share against rising private-label competitors. This strategy allows Sam's Club to aggressively pivot its product assortment to match current consumer price-sensitivity trends.
Shoppers may notice more products tailored to specific feedback, such as reformulated ingredient lists or new food varieties. Consumers can also expect updated holiday meal packages priced at roughly $10 per person for a group of 15.
The takeaway
Direct collaboration with shoppers allows companies to reduce waste by producing only what consumers explicitly demand. This feedback-first approach helps shoppers find higher-quality private-label goods while managing their household grocery budgets.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving Consumer Goods market.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biloxi Sun Herald.
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