Sam’s Club expands Logan shopping
Logan residents have a new neighbor, because Sam’s Club opened its doors to the community Thursday.
The warehouse, located at 1250 N. 150 West, was surrounded with eager shoppers, charity groups and the Mountain Crest Marching Band.
Mayor Doug Thompson said to Sam’s Club representatives, “We are so grateful that you are here. It helps us establish Logan as a regional shopping center. So many people fear that Sam’s Club is going to take such a large piece of the pie, but that is not so.”
Denton Parker, general manager of Sam’s Club, said, “It is something that started as a dream in a snow-covered field, but now we have 2,000 associates.”
Before the ribbon was cut, many of the charities had their pictures taken with Denton as they received donations. Already $20,000 has gone out in contributions, Parker said.
“Last night, we met with a dozen charities and we plan on introducing more,” he said.
Sam’s Club will actively be involved in the community, Parker said.
Farris Child, a Utah State University graduate student majoring in psychology, said some people in the community fear the new club may cause problems for other businesses.
“I don’t like the effects it has on communities and local businesses,” he said.
Parker said, “Sam’s Club is a different animal, and we want the business world to succeed.”
If businesses succeed, Sam’s Club will succeed, he said.
The main focuses of the new warehouse are to meet the needs of business members, as well as those of advantage members (non-business owners) that are in a 250-mile radius, Parker said.
Patti Petersen, manager of the neighboring 7-Eleven convenience store, said, “I am excited to have a Sam’s Club. I hope that Sam’s Club will increase our business because of the extra employees and traffic that it will bring.”
Dustin Willmore, a USU public relations major and Sam’s Club employee, said he signs people up for memberships.
“This is my second week,” he said. “The associates and employees are good to work with.”
The club is huge and it is exciting to see what is going on inside, he said.
“I see Sam’s Club as a bonus to the community,” Willmore said.
Businesses can gain club membership for $30 a year. Average people can become members for $35 a year, or $17.50 if they purchase soon. There are no special deals for students.
Sam’s Club members get many benefits, he said. Some memberships offer roadside assistance, and some allow members to buy a car.
-paulrjenkins@cc.usu.edu