A VOTE FOR SAM'S CLUB 2004-08-30 (2)

We were glad to see that Wal-Mart [Stores] executives appeared on your recent list of the 50 most powerful industry people [SN, July 26, 2004]. However, we think readers may have gotten a skewed look at the warehouse club industry in that issue from your profile of Costco CEO Jim Sinegal, one of your Power 50.

ustry in operating profit -- a key metric ignored in your overview. In fact, for the six months ended July 31, Sam's had operating profit of $619 million, an increase of 20.7% over the previous year.

We attribute this success to our ongoing commitment to serve our core members: small businesses. Our goal is to help them succeed. We're constantly working to provide the best products and services to them at the everyday low costs they expect from us.

Jolanda M. Stewart

director, corporate communications Sam's Club