In the pandemic climate, club stores are adapting to include healthier in-store offers, along with technological advancements.

Amid the time in retail where eCommerce seems to reign supreme, club stores actually are holding their own and showing revenue growth.

The combined sales of the Top 3 club stores — Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club — reached an estimated $158.4 billion in 2017, up 2.9 percent over 2016, according to Chicago-based Mintel’s June 2017 report “Warehouse Clubs US.” Yet, shrinking households no longer needing to purchase bulk items, eCommerce profitability and the cost of membership fees are barriers to the success of club stores.

Consumers are EQUIPPED with a number of tricks to help them save a few dollars when it comes to grocery shopping. Coupons, rewards cards, mail-in rebates and mobile apps are just a few ways to show off thrifty skills. But as much as these resources play a role in their saving habits, they also can limit where consumers shop and how much they buy. Enter the warehouse/club stores.

As non-traditional grocery retailers see more competition from dollar store formats and wholesale club stores, mass merchandisers and supercenters are enlisting new ways to grow their consumer bases.