Costco rival plots massive California expansion with discount memberships, store openings

Superstore retail chain Sam’s Club is going hard after Costco on its home turf.The warehouse giant, a subsidiary of Walmart, just opened its 31st location in the Golden State (and eighth in Northern California) in Lathrop, located 10 miles south of Stockton.Not only does this warehouse opening give San Joaquin County its first Sam’s Club, it also puts the chain squarely in Costco’s backyard.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story The nearly 170,000-square-foot store at 16150 Golden Valley Parkway had its soft opening for members Wednesday evening before throwing open the doors for its grand opening Thursday morning.Club manager Ann Perry and Lathrop Mayor Paul Akinjo were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony as the company dished out around $35,000 in grants to local nonprofits including Toys for Tots, the Boys & Girls Club of Manteca and Second Harvest of the Greater Valley.Shoppers can expect the usual bulk pantry and household staples plus a full-service floral department, expanded fresh sections — including fresh tortillas and sushi on the daily — and the chain’s handy curbside pickup and delivery options within an hour.

To mark the opening, a full slate of samples, giveaways and games runs through Saturday Sept.26, with food and grilling influencer Jack Mancuso scheduled to appear Friday afternoon.And to further sweeten the deal Sam’s Club is offering generous membership discounts through Sept.

30 at the new Lathrop warehouse as well as its Sacramento and Concord locations.New members can snag a Club membership for $25 (a $35 discount on the regular annual membership) or a Sam’s Club Plus membership for $50, marking a $70 decrease on the regular annual price.That pricing edge is central to the company’s California push.

Even after a 20...