Just in time for the holiday shopping rush, Sam’s Club is rolling out significant changes to its store hours—especially on Sundays. Beginning this weekend, most locations across the U.S. will adopt an extended schedule, meaning more flexibility for shoppers and a more competitive edge versus rival warehouse clubs.
But what exactly is changing? Who benefits most? And what should members do to make the most of these new hours? In this article, we explore the full details, the business reasoning behind the shift, and how it may affect your shopping habits.
What’s Changing: The New Hours at a Glance
- As of Sunday, October 12, 2025, Sam’s Club will officially expand its operating hours nationwide, moving toward an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. schedule daily, including Sundays.
- On Sundays specifically, the previous hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will be replaced with this new extended window.
- Plus members will retain an exclusive early access hour from 8 to 9 a.m. before general members are admitted.
- For curbside pickup, Sam’s Club will start accepting orders as early as 7 a.m. on Sundays under the new schedule.
- Fuel stations at Sam’s Club will also see extended Sunday hours, opening earlier (often 6 a.m.) and staying open later than in the past.
- Holiday hours (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve) will similarly be extended to 8 p.m. closing times in many locations.
In short: more hours, more convenience, and a new rhythm to Sunday shopping.
Why Sam’s Club Is Making the Change
1. Addressing Member Feedback & Demand
Sam’s Club executives have pointed to “overwhelming feedback” from members as a key driver. Many shoppers expressed that the old Sunday window was too narrow, especially for families or individuals with busy weekday schedules.
By responding to member voices, Sam’s Club positions itself as more customer-centric and adaptive—an important signal in retail competition.
2. Gaining a Competitive Advantage
Warehouse retailers have been ramping up their services and accessibility. Sam’s move places it in a more favorable contrast to others. For example, Costco offers early access for Executive members at 9 a.m. daily. Sam’s Club now opens two hours earlier on Sundays for all, potentially capturing more traffic.
By being open from 8 a.m. on Sundays, Sam’s Club gives members a broader window to shop without feeling rushed, especially ahead of holidays when foot traffic is heavier.
3. Aligning with Holiday & Peak Season Strategy
Retailers know that holiday season is make-or-break. Extended hours on weekends (and the addition of early curbside availability) help Sam’s Club meet demand, reduce bottlenecks, and improve the shopping experience during high-traffic periods.
It also allows for more flexible staff shifts, spreading customer load across more hours rather than compressing everyone into narrow windows.
How Members Will Be Affected
Benefit: More Convenience & Flexibility
Shoppers who could only visit later on weekends now have earlier access. Parents, working professionals, and morning people benefit most from the extra hours.
Curbside pickup starting at 7 a.m. means those who place orders online or via app can collect goods earlier, improving convenience for time-constrained members.
Impact on Member Strategy (Plus vs Club)
Plus membership was already offering early access, but now that early hour is more broadly useful. Some members may choose to upgrade for consistency or added perks. Meanwhile, non-Plus members benefit from a generally wider window.
Potential Drawbacks & Adjustments
Longer hours mean staffing adjustments. Some clubs may face challenges adapting to the new schedule, especially in regions with tight labor markets.
Members should double-check their local club’s hours, because although the change is meant to be nationwide, there may be exceptions or transitional adjustments at certain locations.
Implementation Challenges & Considerations
Staffing & Operational Load
Shifting to 8 a.m.–8 p.m. requires either extended shifts, more staff, or redistribution of hours. In locations where labor is tight, clubs may initially struggle with coverage, especially early mornings or weekend shifts.
Logistics—cleaning, stocking, and maintenance—will also have to be reworked to account for longer open hours without impacting in-store operations.
Consistency Across Locations
Not all Sam’s Club locations are identical. Some may have constraints of local labor laws, lease agreements, or staffing capacity that make immediate implementation challenging.
Members in certain regions should check with their local club to confirm they will follow the new schedule.
Communication and Member Expectations
Retailers risk backlash if publicized changes don’t arrive smoothly or if local stores lag behind the announced schedule. Sam’s Club will need to coordinate marketing, signage, app updates, and staff training to avoid confusion at doors on day one.
Tips for Members to Take Advantage
- Plan early visits
Especially on Sunday mornings, traffic may be lighter in the first hour or two. Use early hours for low-wait checkout and easier navigation. - Use curbside pickup
Place your order during off hours and pick up as early as 7 a.m. — convenient for early errands or workdays. - Check your local club
Before heading out, confirm that your store is operating on the new hours and whether full services (pharmacy, café, etc.) are available at opening time. - Watch holiday hour adjustments
Some holiday schedules will also change, so check ahead for special closures or extended hours. - Leverage early access if possible
Whether via Plus membership or through early shopping windows, visiting during off-peak times can offer a more relaxed experience.
What This Move Suggests About Retail Trends
- Retailers are getting more flexible: In response to consumer feedback, many chains are shifting to more accommodating schedules.
- Competition for shopping hours is escalating: Who gets open earlier or longer may become a differentiator in warehouse retail.
- Omnichannel & curbside demand rising: As online ordering grows, earlier pickup windows become a competitive necessity.
- Holiday season pressure: Retailers are trying to smooth out customer flow by extending hours to reduce crowding and boost satisfaction.
Conclusion
Sam’s Club’s decision to expand its Sunday schedule—and move toward an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily standard—reflects a calculated bet on member convenience, competitive posture, and seasonal demand. While the changes bring new benefits for shoppers, the transition will require careful execution.
For members, the shift offers new options: more flexibility, earlier shopping, and greater access. For the company, it’s a statement about adapting to customer feedback and getting ahead in the retail battle for shopper loyalty.
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