Matherly finds extra space in Sam’s ‘Portfolio’ for health, wellness

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Project 
Portfolio initiative at Sam’s Club may sound a lot like Walmart’s less-than-successful Project Impact undertaking, but the key distinction is that Sam’s variant of the strategic initiative has important ramifications for the health-and-wellness area. Overseeing those departments is Sam’s Club vet Todd Matherly, VP and divisional merchandise manager of health and wellness following a promotion last year.


In an effort to improve the productivity of existing clubs, Sam’s embarked on an ambitious remodeling program and determined the health-and-wellness and food categories as key to its ability to demonstrate value to members, drive traffic and sales, and gain market share.


Accordingly, Matherly has been given more space near the pharmacy to display an expanded assortment of health-and-wellness items, including an ever-changing mix of pallet drive features that incorporate branded manufacturers’ graphics to bring a sense of newness.


Indeed, health and wellness is a major focus for new initiatives at Sam’s Club. The warehouse club operator recently introduced a new $99-per-year preventive health-and-wellness program, including free monthly health screenings and a cutomized personal wellness plan.