Walmart on Tuesday introduced a new joint membership combining Walmart+ and Sam’s Club Plus for $120 annually, a discount of nearly $100 compared to purchasing the memberships separately. The offering provides access to free delivery from both retailers, members-only discounts at Sam’s Club, a choice of Peacock or Paramount+ subscription, 10 cents off per gallon at 17,000 gas stations, and 2% cash back on eligible Sam’s Club purchases.
The membership is designed to appeal to inflation-weary consumers by emphasizing cost savings and convenience. Existing members can upgrade: Walmart+ members can switch to the dual plan for an additional $22 per year, while Sam’s Club Plus members can upgrade for $60 more annually to include Walmart+ benefits. Walmart CEO John Furner stated in a release that the deal aims to "raise expectations for what a membership can deliver: more money in their pockets and more time to call their own."
The announcement follows Walmart’s August price reductions across multiple product categories, including food, as the company seeks to boost market share amid persistent inflation. Chief Financial Officer John Rainey noted at the time that the retailer is "investing heavily in price because customers need us to and because we believe it drives market share gains over time." The Consumer Price Index rose 3.7% annually in September, according to federal data, and a CBS News poll found that 9 in 10 Americans cite prices as the most critical factor in their economic outlook.
The joint membership does not offer a monthly payment option, though both Walmart+ and Sam’s Club Plus will continue to be available as standalone subscriptions. Customers with existing accounts at either retailer can link their memberships to receive the discounted rate. Walmart’s strategy reflects a broader push toward convenience and value, particularly as consumers face higher costs for essentials like gas and groceries.
The move also underscores Walmart’s effort to leverage its dual retail models: Walmart+ focuses on everyday essentials with free delivery, while Sam’s Club emphasizes bulk purchases at warehouse locations. A joint membership could allow customers to complement their shopping habits across both formats, the company said. The initiative arrives as Walmart navigates mixed financial signals, including a stock dip in August despite raising its annual sales outlook.