Did Costco buy out Sam’s Club?
Sam’s Club is a subsidiary of Walmart, while Costco is a publicly traded company. Costco is considered the original warehouse store, because it began a discount warehouse in 1976 under the name Price Club. Costco as it is known today, opened its doors for the first time in 1983–the same year as Sam’s Club. Founded in 1983 as Sam’s Wholesale Club, it was named after Walmart founder Sam Walton. As of January 31, 2025, Sam’s Club ranks second in sales volume among warehouse clubs with $90. BJ’s Wholesale Club but behind its main rival Costco.Costco is a standalone company, but Sam’s Club is actually owned by a corporation that you’re well aware of: Walmart.