Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club faces accusations of “shrinkflation” despite its massive daily revenue. Members are reporting diminished product quality, specifically citing a decline in the weight and durability of the private-label purple facial tissues. Customers have documented weight reductions of up to 8.2% in tissue packages purchased between 2022 and 2025. Disgruntled members question the lack of transparency regarding these changes and whether membership fees are truly being reinvested in product quality. A customer service representative only offered a refund.

A Sam’s Club shopper in Guangzhou encountered a barcode issue while purchasing Orion snacks. This follows the introduction of a low-sugar Orion Choco Pie, which sparked debate among members questioning the store’s exclusivity due to readily available products. The low-sugar Choco Pie has since been removed from the online app with unclear reasons. Some argue that Sam’s Club needs to offer unique value justifying its membership fee to maintain its appeal.

Sam’s Club is facing backlash for including mass-market brands like Orion Pies on its shelves, angering members who perceive this as a betrayal of its premium image. While some criticize the inclusion of domestic brands, these products often have exclusive formulations and are subject to stringent quality controls. The controversy highlights a conflict between perceived prestige and the retailer’s efforts to leverage local supply chains. Rapid expansion and a focus on cost reduction have led to quality control issues, prompting legitimate member complaints unrelated to brand origin.

Sam’s Club is facing online criticism in China for allegedly altering brand trademarks on its mini-program. Consumers noticed the Chinese brand “盼盼” (Pàn Pàn) was replaced with “PANPAN,” and the Weilong logo was missing from a product image. Sam’s Club confirmed “PANPAN” as the brand name and is reviewing the logo issue. The changes sparked debate about trademark rights and consumer perception, with some users threatening to cancel memberships, citing declining product quality. Social media users are also questioning the value of Sam’s Club membership.

Sam’s Club in China faces customer backlash due to changes in product selection. Members are complaining about the discontinuation of popular items with high repurchase rates and the introduction of products they deem to be of lower quality, like a low-sugar Orion Pie. Some express frustration that the curated shopping experience they pay for is being compromised by items available in ordinary stores. Customer service acknowledges the changes and promises to improve product quality.