Sam’s Club Expands Mobile App to all Smartphones

Sam’s Club has expanded the reach of its smartphone application to help shoppers with any smartphone to better navigate their shopping this holiday season.

The app, which can now be downloaded for free from the iPhone App Store, Android Market, and BlackBerry App World, includes features such as access to product information, member reviews, and eValues.

"Locating a club, checking the latest reviews on a product, and getting personal discounts are just a few taps away with the new Sam's Club app," said Cindy Davis, Sam's Club EVP of marketing, membership, and dotcom. "Our research indicates that our members over index in shopping from their smart phone compared to the general market. We are always listening to our members to find the next innovation, and this app will help us improve members' shopping experience in a simple and uniquely Sam's Club way."

A recent survey conducted by Sam's Club, shows that more than 40 percent of its members are smart phone users. The majority of Sam's Club members use Apple, iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android phones, creating a need to reach all platforms.

The app initially launched for iPhone in late August and was quickly listed as "New and Noteworthy" on Apple's iTunes Store, according to the retailer.

The Sam's Club App was developed to simplify members' lives and creates broader opportunities to engage with members by bringing local and relevant information directly to smart phones. The app gives users up-to-the-minute information about local club events, membership renewal status, and company announcements.

Sam's Club Plus Members can view their eValues — exclusive, customized discounts automatically loaded on their membership cards — directly from the app. In addition, members who use the app are alerted instantly when new offers are added to their eValues and when eValues near the expiration date.

Following are some of the app’s features:
Club Locator: This feature provides both directions and details -- such as hours of operation and services offered.
My Club: Provides quick access to information about the member's preferred club and includes club specific product assortment, available services, as well as information about local events such as book signings, flu shots, and road shows.
Club Map: Helps members navigate the interior of each club, including the layout of individual department locations such as electronics, office supplies, fresh food, bakery, and pharmacy.
Products: By clicking the Products icon, members can scroll through the product catalog by category, search a product by name, or use a smart phone camera to scan the barcode and check the product's online information page.

Other features include instant access to thousands of product reviews, product availability status, in-depth product information, and multiple images of each product. Members can also share their favorite products with friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter by using the social networking at functionality.

One of the greatest features of the app, according to Sam’s Club, is its feedback function. Users can send suggestions for future app updates, so Sam's Club can ensure future features will be what members want most.

Earlier this year, Sam's Club added Wi-Fi in all U.S. locations, allowing smart phone users more convenient access to information and improved usage of the Sam's Club App while shopping. It also launched a mobile web version of samsclub.com to enhance the experience for Web-enabled phone users.

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