I'm really surprised that nothing has been mentioned about the Edmond Sam's that has been approved next to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on the I-35 service road, near 15th.
Well, now it has!
C. T.

It was speculated and rumored on here, just not an official word.


Thanks for the update though, do you have a link?

It was speculated and rumored on here, just not an official word.


Thanks for the update though, do you have a link?

There's been discussion in the Edmond Sun regarding Sam's sign variance. However, it's all but been confirmed around the city offices that it'll be going in.

I watched the meeting online concerning the sign variance. Of course, Sam's had to give in considerably on the size sign they wanted, but they came to terms on it.

Sam's also agreed to pay the home owners association an annual amount ($2,500 I believe) along with other concessions. I'm sure it's a done deal.
C. T.

Today's Oklahoman listed the sale of the property from Fox Lake Investments to Sam's Real Estate Business Trust. Construction will probably begin soon. I'm just happy to have one 8 miles closer and away from that terrible intersection of Memorial and Penn.
C. T.

I really hope they do something special with this one. Not just build a typical Sams. Doubt it will happen though. :/

What might an atypical Sam's look like? Well, I've seen McDonalds' with local/regional themes before. Matter of fact, the I-35 Walmart has a different look, from the highway anyway.

Sams, McDonalds, Walmart, yeah yeah yeah!

What might an atypical Sam's look like? Well, I've seen McDonalds' with local/regional themes before. Matter of fact, the I-35 Walmart has a different look, from the highway anyway.

Sams, McDonalds, Walmart, yeah yeah yeah!TBH I don't know I've never seen one. However I haven't really been to many Sams Clubs outside of OKC or have seen any. But, I know this Walmart in Edmond along I-35 is nicer than most Walmart stores out there. Even the new ones.

Today's Oklahoman listed the sale of the property from Fox Lake Investments to Sam's Real Estate Business Trust. Construction will probably begin soon. I'm just happy to have one 8 miles closer and away from that terrible intersection of Memorial and Penn.
C. T.

Side note, I think a few spots below that you can see that Russell Westbrook spent some change on a house in NE OKC, and that Covel Corner was just bought as well

Today's Oklahoman listed the sale of the property from Fox Lake Investments to Sam's Real Estate Business Trust. Construction will probably begin soon. I'm just happy to have one 8 miles closer and away from that terrible intersection of Memorial and Penn.
C. T.
Same here. I will be glad to have it close by. I find that I don't go to Sam's as often as I should for things, just because I hate going over there. I try to avoid the Penn&Memorial nightmare whenever I can.

As for the atypical Sam's, while I don't know that I would call it atypical, but their store in Fayetteville, AR is a bit different. It's pretty new and is a "green" building. For example, it has a car wash that uses run off storm water and gray water from the store or some such thing. I don't remember all the other cool things its supposed to have. Inside its pretty much a Sam's, but it does have sky lights, much like the Walmart on I35 in Edmond.

worthy cook,
Yes, I noticed that. He's in my neighborhood, about one third of a mile away. I could put five of my homes inside his 8,400 square foot home.
C. T.
Side note, I think a few spots below that you can see that Russell Westbrook spent some change on a house in NE OKC, and that Covel Corner was just bought as well

The wife and I are pretty excited, as we are set to close on a home within a mile of this new Sam's. We pretty much do most of our weekly shopping at Sam's, WalMart, and Braum's - and all three are right there together.

That's my Walmart too. It will be great to have both stores right there together. When we lived in Houston, we had both a Sam's and a Walmart side by side, about 1 1/2 miles from our house. I really shopped at Sam's a lot then because it was just as easy as going to any other store. Now I have to really need a bunch of stuff to make it worth my while to drive the 14 miles I have to drive now.

Construction of Edmond Sam's Club continues | News OK (http://newsok.com/construction-of-edmond-sams-club-continues/article/3805344)

Construction of Edmond Sam's Club continues | News OK (http://newsok.com/construction-of-edmond-sams-club-continues/article/3805344)

The design of it looks veeerrryy similar to a Sam's Club they are building in Madison, MS. The only difference is that the one in Madison will have an antebellum look to it that a large number of buildings throughout the southeast have.

I'm looking forward to it. I dislike the traffic at memorial and penn.

The design of it looks veeerrryy similar to a Sam's Club they are building in Madison, MS. The only difference is that the one in Madison will have an antebellum look to it that a large number of buildings throughout the southeast have.Was there a picture in the article? If so, it isn't popping up for me. :/

I drive by that place all the time, and while it will be nice to have one closer, I'm not looking forward to taking that exit one it's built. It's already a pretty bad area in the afternoon with people going into the walmart, the Sams will make it much worse.

I drive by that place all the time, and while it will be nice to have one closer, I'm not looking forward to taking that exit one it's built. It's already a pretty bad area in the afternoon with people going into the walmart, the Sams will make it much worse.

We already now use the 33rd street ramps due to the traffic around morning and afternoon rush hours. Hardly anyone uses 33rd street so far.

I've said before, and I'll say it. I wish Edmond would make all of their service lanes, one way and have the ramps merge onto the service roads, as opposed to having stop and go onto the service road.

One-way service streets are evil. Especially if you live off one. Perhaps I am bias :)

One-way service streets are evil. Especially if you live off one. Perhaps I am bias :)Well, if you live on one, then ya. lol. . . I didn't really think of that, you might be biased, but I;m selfish with that thinking ;)

I just read a notice in today's Oklahoman that Sam's Club leased 4,500 square feet of space at 3208 S. Broadway. Any idea what they plan to use it for?
C. T.

It's their hiring office/HR office. It's already in use. It's located right next door to Hobby Lobby.

Update on this build. Main structure is up. Indoor fluorescent lights are already installed and operable. Sams have to be one of the easiest things to build, giant warehouse and steel shelving.

Sam's reps were at our local Edmond Wal-Mart this week signing up people for memberships. They said the opening date is October 8th.

Tentative opening date set for Edmond's Sam's Club | News OK (http://newsok.com/tentative-opening-date-set-for-edmonds-sams-club/article/3870321)

Council approves Sam’s Club final plat
I-35 store expected to open Oct. 3

James Coburn
The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — The final plat of Sam’s Club was approved 5-0 Monday night by the Edmond City Council.

Construction of Sam’s Club has been under way at the west side of Interstate 35, one-quarter mile north of 15th Street. The new store will be just north of Walmart Supercenter on 15.98-acres of property, according to information provided by City Planner Bob Schiermeyer.

“Sam’s Club will be able to complete their project separate from previous construction on the property,” Schiermeyer stated.

- See more at: Council approves Sam?s Club final plat » Local News » The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x865763569/Council-approves-Sam-s-Club-final-plat#sthash.yfOcwlO2.dpuf)

Can't wait! And based on all the WalMart bashers on this forum, maybe the lines won't be so dang long..... Speaking of, I hope they put in self-service lanes like the one in MWC.

Can't wait! And based on all the WalMart bashers on this forum, maybe the lines won't be so dang long..... Speaking of, I hope they put in self-service lanes like the one in MWC.
I actually was just speaking to someone who works there, and yes, they will have self checkout lanes.

I just hope a Costco will come to town.

You and me both!

Don;t know the attraction of Costco but if makes folks happy, bring one on.

''September 28, 2013

Sam’s Club ready to serve Edmond
James Coburn
The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Sam’s Club is set to open its doors to the Edmond community this Thursday at 8 a.m. with a grand opening ribbon cutting. Sam’s Club will open with the sale of goods and an economic boost to the local economy.

The new store will be open on the west side of Interstate 35, one-quarter mile north of 15th Street. The new 138,000-square-foot store is on 16-acres of property and is next door to a Walmart Supercenter and adjacent to the Fox Lake Plaza shopping district.

“We’ve worked really hard to make sure we’re in-tune not just with the community, but the state of Oklahoma,” said Jennifer O’Connor, Sam’s Club Edmond manager. “We’re having some exciting showcase events.”

Local landscape painter Becky Way will be demonstrating her skill as an artist on Thursday. Prints will be for sale as well as Way’s original artwork. Way will also be present at the two-hour “soft opening” of Sam’s Club on Wednesday night. The Wednesday event for Business Members is by invitation only.

Personal appearances will be made by OU football heroes Jason White, Billy Sims and Mark Clayton. Schwab Meat Company will be debuting a couple of new items during the grand opening.

“We want to make sure we’re representing not just the community, but Oklahoma,” O’Connor said. “We’re pretty excited about that.”

The total 2013 economic impact of Sam’s Club for the Edmond community could total $10.955 million, said Toni Weinmeister, associate director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

“Economic impact is the estimated increase in value of production or demand directly generated by Sam’s Club, as well as at other local businesses as a result of Sam’s Club,” Weinmeister said.

This total economic Impact includes jobs, payroll, output and tax revenues, Weinmeister said. Only 2013 impacts are included in the report. Additional impacts will be generated in future years, she said"

- See more at: Sam?s Club ready to serve Edmond » Local News » The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x134966713/Sam-s-Club-ready-to-serve-Edmond#sthash.ZkxGG4t9.dpuf)

Sam's had their soft opening tonight from 5-8:30. I got there about 5:15 and the parking lot was almost full. The store was packed. By the time I left the parking lot was completely full. The store is a Sam's but it seems much brighter than usual. It also has a really cool feature I've never seen before. Any of the checkout stands can be either a regular or a self checkout. The scanners are on a turntable and with the push of a button they can be swiveled around and used as a self checkout. Pretty cool. Of course tonight they were all attended but I will be anxious to see how they work.

I'm really happy to have this store so close by.

Sam's had their soft opening tonight from 5-8:30. I got there about 5:15 and the parking lot was almost full. The store was packed. By the time I left the parking lot was completely full. The store is a Sam's but it seems much brighter than usual. It also has a really cool feature I've never seen before. Any of the checkout stands can be either a regular or a self checkout. The scanners are on a turntable and with the push of a button they can be swiveled around and used as a self checkout. Pretty cool. Of course tonight they were all attended but I will be anxious to see how they work.

I'm really happy to have this store so close by.

Yeah, That means they will be all broke down in a couple of months. Can't even keep the cash dispensers going on the self checks at all the other Walmarts.

Yeah, That means they will be all broke down in a couple of months. Can't even keep the cash dispensers going on the self checks at all the other Walmarts.

Not sure about that - I've been using the self-checkout at the Sam's in MWC for a long time and while occasionally 1 is down, its pretty rare and there are always several others to choose from.

Speaking of.... I've been to the new Edmond Sam's no less than 4 times already. While the manned registers were always 5-7 deep, each time I could walk right up and self-checkout without a wait!

Really like the new Sam's - nothing really different about it other than a great location to my home.

I was hoping for some really exclusive deals at the opening - but sadly it was pretty much the typical stuff. I did however surprise the wife with the only real special deal I could find - 60" Vizio 'Smart TV' for $888.

Joint was packed this weekend. Wonder how the sales @ the Penn/Memorial location look now?

I've been a couple times already. The only opening special we took advantage of was their rib-eyes for $7.99 lb. They were delicious and very tender.

I spoke to someone who works there and they were telling me that the opening was extremely successful.

Since when did Sam's go back to making people show their cards at the entrance? Went to Sam's tonight and they were asking to see cards. Wonder why the change?

Since when did Sam's go back to making people show their cards at the entrance? Went to Sam's tonight and they were asking to see cards. Wonder why the change?

Weird. They haven't asked in years. I dont even take mine since I use the Scan & Go app.

Weird. They haven't asked in years. I dont even take mine since I use the Scan & Go app.

Same here. Apparently you can use the digital membership card to get in. I went again this morning and there was a sign up about the new "show your card" policy.

Since when did Sam's go back to making people show their cards at the entrance? Went to Sam's tonight and they were asking to see cards. Wonder why the change?
Walmart has done a lot of security enhancements at the Penn and Memorial Supercenter which I assumed was specific to that location. Now there are gates that close behind you, forcing you to walk through checkout lines even if you dont buy anything. The "greeter" if you want to call them that still has a podium and has a handheld he or she can use to instantly look up the transaction to see if unbagged items were indeed paid for.

With the Sam's club changes I'm now guessing these are company wide efforts to reduce theft.

Walmart has done a lot of security enhancements at the Penn and Memorial Supercenter which I assumed was specific to that location. Now there are gates that close behind you, forcing you to walk through checkout lines even if you dont buy anything. The "greeter" if you want to call them that still has a podium and has a handheld he or she can use to instantly look up the transaction to see if unbagged items were indeed paid for.

With the Sam's club changes I'm now guessing these are company wide efforts to reduce theft.

I mean, they have people who check your stuff as you leave? Why would showing a card at the front stop theft?

Walmart has done a lot of security enhancements at the Penn and Memorial Supercenter which I assumed was specific to that location. Now there are gates that close behind you, forcing you to walk through checkout lines even if you dont buy anything. The "greeter" if you want to call them that still has a podium and has a handheld he or she can use to instantly look up the transaction to see if unbagged items were indeed paid for.

With the Sam's club changes I'm now guessing these are company wide efforts to reduce theft.

i'm still trying to figure out how their gates that close behind you are not a fire hazard, since they don't now clearly mark how to get to their fire exits....

i'm still trying to figure out how their gates that close behind you are not a fire hazard, since they don't now clearly mark how to get to their fire exits....

I would be willing to bet in a fire folks would be going over and under them if they did not open automatically when the fire alarm goes off.

I would be willing to bet in a fire folks would be going over and under them if they did not open automatically when the fire alarm goes off.

Hence, fire "hazard."

Sam's is doing a lot of changes since Costco has come to town. I'm seeing a lot of prices on green tags. They also say "New low price" on them. The showing your card again thingy threw me off. Having to show a Kid 1/4 my age my DL to buy a case of Beer, almost pissed me off.

Sam's is doing a lot of changes since Costco has come to town. I'm seeing a lot of prices on green tags. They also say "New low price" on them. The showing your card again thingy threw me off. Having to show a Kid 1/4 my age my DL to buy a case of Beer, almost pissed me off.

Mel,
I'm 76 and it used to bother me but I learned (yes, we old farts can learn) that if we walk out of a store with alcohol and get stopped by the police we have to provide id to them. If we don't have it the store gets fined. Regardless, it seems to be an off and on thing because of complaints.
C. T.

Hence, fire "hazard."

Without knowing if the gates did not open automatically in the event of a fire it is just speculation. There are fire codes that must be signed off. I'm not worried.

Without knowing if the gates did not open automatically in the event of a fire it is just speculation. There are fire codes that must be signed off. I'm not worried.

i wouldn't be so quick to think Walmart actually looked into it... afterall they used to just block off an entrance with shopping carts for years before finally someone questioned it and it was deemed to violate fire codes in most cites... that is why many added in doors that can be locked from the inside, but still open out in case of emergency

Thank you CT. I guess I should adjust to the new reality. I'm not used to getting carded. The Employee at the exit door also scanned the receipt and the Case of Beer. Walmart now does the same thing.

i'm still trying to figure out how their gates that close behind you are not a fire hazard, since they don't now clearly mark how to get to their fire exits....

I seem to recall the other side saying of the gate saying "emergency exit only". So you can push it open and I think an alarm will go off if you do. Walmart may not have thought about it but the company that built the gates probably did. They don't want the liability if people get trampled in a Walmart disaster.

Went to the Sams in Edmond today and noticed the Photo Center is GONE. I inquired and they said they removed it for a Sam’s Optical.

Anyone know if all the Photo Centers are going away?

I actually used their services very regularly.

Yes, there have been building permits at their other locations for Optical outlets, as the law changes Nov. 1.

No idea about the photo center but obviously they have to carve space out of an existing area.

Yes, there have been building permits at their other locations for Optical outlets, as the law changes Nov. 1.

No idea about the photo center but obviously they have to carve space out of an existing area.


What law is changed?

What law is changed?

A new law takes effect Nov. 1st that allow big-box retailers to have optometrists and sell eyeglasses and contact lenses.

A new law takes effect Nov. 1st that allow big-box retailers to have optometrists and sell eyeglasses and contact lenses.


OH! I thought that didn't pass. Glad to hear we have it to help us consumers.

OH! I thought that didn't pass. Glad to hear we have it to help us consumers.

It was originally voted down but then there was compromise and the law was passed through the legislature.