Small Business Struggling: Sam’s Club CEO

ROGERS, Ark. – While the Sam’s Club division of Wal-Mart Stores is realizing strong sales gains from consumer members, many of the chain’s business members are struggling, Rosalind Brewer, chief executive officer of Sam’s Club in the U.S., said here during a presentation Thursday.

Brewer characterized some business members as under more pressure today than during the height of the 2008 economic slowdown. She said convenience-store members in particular are struggling, citing the rapid growth of dollar store chains – and their recent adoption of tobacco products – as key triggers of c-stores’ woes.

Read more: Wal-Mart Provides Peek Into Sam's Lab

Brewer also said small restaurant owners were facing difficult times as quick-service chains have pressured pricing and dining occasions for those members. Brewer said average tickets were down among business members in the first quarter.

“They are telling us they are still financially strapped, and it’s playing out in our clubs,” she said.

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