Sam’s Club, the popular membership-based warehouse chain owned by Walmart, is expanding its footprint in California with a brand-new location in Lathrop—its first-ever store in San Joaquin County. This major move marks a big milestone for Lathrop, currently recognized as California’s fastest-growing city.
The new Sam’s Club store will be part of the Stanford Crossing retail development, led by Saybrook Fund Advisors, and is expected to bring a wave of economic growth, job opportunities, and local convenience to the area.
A Retail Win for Lathrop
Lathrop city officials and residents are celebrating this announcement as a major step forward. With the nearest Sam’s Club over 50 miles away in Sacramento, the new store will offer much-needed access to affordable bulk groceries, household items, and electronics—all under one roof.
“This is a major win for the community,” said Lathrop Mayor Paul Akinjo. “We are excited to welcome Sam’s Club with open arms.” He added that the city’s rapid population growth makes it a prime location for major retailers to expand.
Stanford Crossing: A Hub of New Business
Sam’s Club will be the anchor tenant in the Stanford Crossing retail center, which already has several confirmed additions, including:
- Blue Rain Car Wash
- AutoZone
- Fast and Easy Chevron Station
- Wendy’s
- Ono Hawaiian BBQ
- Home2 by Hilton hotel
- Senior living facility
- Convenience store with gas station
At full development, the Stanford Crossing site will feature up to 5 million square feet of commercial space, designed to meet the city’s growing needs.
“Having Sam’s Club as the anchor tenant will help attract even more retailers and bring quality shopping options to residents and surrounding communities,” said a joint statement from city officials and developers.
Jobs, Savings, and Convenience
While an opening date hasn’t yet been set, officials promise more details soon, including construction timelines and store features.
When completed, the store is expected to create dozens of local jobs and increase tax revenue for the city. For shoppers, it means more convenience and possibly lower prices, especially compared to competitors like Costco.
Sam’s Club’s Larger Growth Strategy
According to Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas, the new Lathrop location is part of a national expansion strategy. The company plans to open about 15 new clubs each year while remodeling its current 600 locations.
Sam’s Club currently operates 29 stores in California, and this Lathrop location will further strengthen its presence in the region.
Residents React: Sam’s Club vs Costco
Excitement has already taken over social media. Locals took to Facebook to express how happy they are with the news, and many compared the move to Costco, Sam’s Club’s biggest rival.
One longtime resident wrote: “70 years ago, there was nothing in Lathrop. I’d go to Sam’s Club any day over Costco, and I have the choice to do both.”
Another said: “I’m so happy now. I hope that they will have cheaper prices than Costco.”
Some even went so far as to say, “I will definitely be switching from Costco to Sam’s.”
The arrival of Sam’s Club in Lathrop represents more than just a new store—it’s a sign of the city’s rapid growth and rising importance in the region. With affordable pricing, job creation, and a strong retail lineup, this new location is expected to be a big boost for both residents and the local economy. As the project continues to take shape, Lathrop is quickly becoming a retail destination to watch.