Making good progress. I'm sure they want to be open before the holidays.

From warreng88:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sams082515.jpg

They are moving super fast on this, as the exterior is almost finished.

I bet they open next month.

I'm not sure at what speed Sam's moves in relation to a new Walmart, but when the new Walmart I worked for in 2007 opened, we took possession of the building only after it was complete and the exterior landscaping and parking was completed, and it was about 7 weeks after that to get the interior fitted out and stocked. They'll probably be ready just at the beginning of November sometime I would imagine.

Went by there yesterday and the lights are on inside and they are working away...

I bet they'll be open before Thanksgiving.

Yay! I'm just stoked that I don't have to go to Penn and Memorial anymore for Sam's!

I'm not sure if I'll get a Sam's membership (may do it just for dog food, as they have great prices on that stuff and my 3 go through a lot) but I agree that location is going to be excellent.

In fact, I've already made a few runs to the Lowes just to the south and *love* that location. Super easy to get to from downtown and not completely overrun, even on the weekends.

Now, if we can just get the Winco fired up at 39th & Portland, we'll have quite a grouping of big retailers on the near NW side.

My other half thinks with Sam's coming this close to our place we need to get a membership. I don't really see the need and probably wont since I don't shop with Walmart. I have ran through my head trying to find a reason and I just don't see one. I do think its a great location though and glad that old Dealership lot is finally gone!.

I use Lowe's all the time though and look forward to Winco!

There's a Sam's membership Groupon out this morning if that helps any decision making processes.

Since it is reasonably close to my home, I've been talking with my fiance about getting a membership.

I have ran through my head trying to find a reason and I just don't see one.My main reason for maintaining a membership (which I've had since 1992) is that it's the only place I've yet found that carries Hormel's pre-cooked bacon in the thin-sliced version. Other grocers seem to stock only the thick-sliced version. Putting 12 strips between two paper towels in the microwave and zapping them for 60 seconds provides a nice breakfast for my honey and me, alongside a couple of waffles or pancakes (courtesy of Eggo) on these frosty mornings... Thus I try to keep at least a couple of their bulk packages in the fridge at all times. To quote Ed McMahon, "When the (bacon) gets down to four, that's the time to buy some more!"

My main reason for maintaining a membership (which I've had since 1992) is that it's the only place I've yet found that carries Hormel's pre-cooked bacon in the thin-sliced version. Other grocers seem to stock only the thick-sliced version. Putting 12 strips between two paper towels in the microwave and zapping them for 60 seconds provides a nice breakfast for my honey and me, alongside a couple of waffles or pancakes (courtesy of Eggo) on these frosty mornings... Thus I try to keep at least a couple of their bulk packages in the fridge at all times. To quote Ed McMahon, "When the (bacon) gets down to four, that's the time to buy some more!"

That's why I got a Costco membership. It really is the best bacon you can buy without the mess of pans and grease everywhere. Glad I am not the only one.

I'd love to have a Costco in OKC. Until they decide to arrive, though, I gotta make do with what's available...

I'd love to have a Costco in OKC. Until they decide to arrive, though, I gotta make do with what's available...

I honestly cannot tell the difference. I've been going to Sam's for many years with my father in OKC, and I just got my Costco membership here. Seems pretty much the same...

My main reason for maintaining a membership (which I've had since 1992) is that it's the only place I've yet found that carries Hormel's pre-cooked bacon in the thin-sliced version. Other grocers seem to stock only the thick-sliced version. Putting 12 strips between two paper towels in the microwave and zapping them for 60 seconds provides a nice breakfast for my honey and me, alongside a couple of waffles or pancakes (courtesy of Eggo) on these frosty mornings... Thus I try to keep at least a couple of their bulk packages in the fridge at all times. To quote Ed McMahon, "When the (bacon) gets down to four, that's the time to buy some more!"

Same here! We've tried other brands' pre-cooked bacon and it doesn't compare.

It is big, beige and bland though. Ugh. They make enough to spend a bit on improving the look of their stores and parking lots.

It is big, beige and bland though. Ugh. They make enough to spend a bit on improving the look of their stores and parking lots.

Totally agree.

It is big, beige and bland though. Ugh. They make enough to spend a bit on improving the look of their stores and parking lots.

concur. . . but a lot better than what was there. . .and so glad to have a Sam's in my 'hood ;)

I have not shopped at any Walmart or Sam's since our printer broke in the middle of the night when my son had a paper due at 8 am. That was 8 years ago. I will do so when they start thinking a bit more about the community, their employees and aesthetics.

From yesterday:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sams111515.jpg

It looks like they will be pouring concrete for the parking lot soon.

They were selling memberships at the Neighborhood Walmart at 23rd and Penn on Saturday. Said the new Sams will open March 3rd.

Wow, March 3rd??

Looks like they could open almost any time now.

I'm a bit surprised for it to be March 3rd. already having hiring signs up and as complete as the build looks.. I was guessing before Christmas.

Wow, March 3rd??

Looks like they could open almost any time now.

Setting fixtures and merchandising can take quite a bit of time for a store of that size, and usually doesn't begin until all on-site construction is completed (occupancy permit). Were you able to see in windows, and if so, did you see any fixtures or merch?

I was on the opening day crew of the Builder's Square (RIP) at NW 36th and May back in 1986, and literally helped unload the first truckload of fixtures as they were delivered. It took us well over a month - maybe even two - to assemble and set them and to receive merchandise and display according to planogram. Of course back then we had to put SKU stickers on every single item, but we were also a MUCH smaller footprint than a Sam's.

^

Right, but I've seen Costco's built and occupied in a matter of months. There are far, far fewer items in a warehouse store and most of it is on pallets. And virtually no fixtures apart from uniform industrial racks.

I suspect they were going to slightly miss Thanksgiving and decided to put their time and effort into the stores that could be opened sooner.

I admit to being a sam's consumer. I can't resist buying buying 3 months of paper goods and snacks in 2lb jugs.

good things happening around that intersection. I expect it will be a huge hit.

Drove by the Sam's Club today and noticed that most of the signage is up and all of the landscaping is in place. I also noticed a lot of vehicles in the parking lot. I assume that workers are setting up the store fixtures and getting ready for the merchandise to arrive. I imagine that they could also be training the new employees.

a week or so ago, there was a table at the WM on NW Expwy/Council taking employment applications. The lady at the table said they were supposed to open early March. .3 March I believe she said.

Grand opening is March 3rd.

Just got a mailer since I live relatively close by.

Says it will have a Fresh Department (picture of strawberries), fuel station and full-service pharmacy.

I'm looking forward to this because the one at I-40 and MacArthur has a super crappy parking area, and I have to go about once a month for bulk dog food.

Anybody know what's going on directly across the street between City Glass and San Marcos? They cleared the building there about 2 weeks ago.

Demolition permits for 4100 and 4106 N May were filed back in November but no building permits have been filed. Future use of this property is not immediately apparent. More info here: 1406 N. May - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=1406%20N%20May)

I'm looking forward to this because the one at I-40 and MacArthur has a super crappy parking area, and I have to go about once a month for bulk dog food.

To avoid the cluster that is their parking lot, I've always parked on the north side of the building (gas station side). There's almost always a spot either right up against the building, or else by the basket return. It's perhaps a little bit further of a walk, but you never have to deal with cars pulling in and out, people crossing the street, etc.

^

Yes, I've done that.

It's more that the parking lot is so awful... Ugly, barren and depressing.

Yesterday was the first day of gasoline sales. We pulled in after seeing the price signs on May.

The attendant was a nice older man. He said that very few people had bought gas yet (as they probably missed the small signs). He also said that the store was targeting people living downtown. According to his information, it's the largest Sam's in the metro, and the layout will be different from the others here. They're set to open March 3.

Yesterday was the first day of gasoline sales. We pulled in after seeing the price signs on May.

The attendant was a nice older man. He said that very few people had bought gas yet (as they probably missed the small signs). He also said that the store was targeting people living downtown. According to his information, it's the largest Sam's in the metro, and the layout will be different from the others here. They're set to open March 3.

I noticed the listing for the Sam's Club location on GasBuddy today and thought they must've jumped the gun. I guess I was wrong.

Yesterday was the first day of gasoline sales. We pulled in after seeing the price signs on May.

The attendant was a nice older man. He said that very few people had bought gas yet (as they probably missed the small signs). He also said that the store was targeting people living downtown. According to his information, it's the largest Sam's in the metro, and the layout will be different from the others here. They're set to open March 3.

That sounds about right. I saw a lot of cars in the parking lot last week. I would assume it is employees getting stock ready.

They've made an official announcement on the March 3rd opening.

I received a mailer.

They've made an official announcement on the March 3rd opening.

I received a mailer.

I received that mailer several days ago with an invitation to a pre-opening event. I'm not a Sam's Club person though so I won't be going.

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/samsclub/fc-go-okc-1?fmt=jpg&qlt=90&wid=1000

Attended the pre-grand opening event on Wednesday. It's a typical Sam's Club. I hope the opening of Sam's Club helps to spur a redevelopment of Mayfair Village.

I wish to God may avenue (like classen) between reno and NW63RD could be added to urban design commission to stop the horrific signage going up. I'll log into my phone and post a couple offenders...including okc's favorite son: on cue.

12334

I'm 95% sure that huge sign was grandfathered in and wouldn't otherwise be allowed there if built from new.

I'm 100% sure. And I saw it up close the other day while sitting at the stoplight, and it is an abomination. Looks absolutely terrible, condition-wise, and doesn't in any way fit with the shiny new place it advertises. Combined with the jumble of overhead wires, it looks like a bunch of rusty clutter, and gives the top-heavy illusion that it could topple-over.

It's a shame that On Cue couldn't see past the idea of having a sign that dwarfs all others nearby. Bigger isn't always better.

^^^^^

It's amazing to me that they didn't even bother to paint over the rusty white metal. Really an eyesore.

I have a friend that knows the OnCue head honcho and I am going to ask him to tell the guy that sign looks out of place. Don't know if it will do any good but IMO it needs to be changed. I seen it the other day driving down May and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Yeah it used to belong to the dealership that was sold several times over. It's grandfathered. But May Ave between 50th to 23rd is a signage hell. I especially hate the giant cheeseburger pole sign. Not that it would be any better as a box on a pole.

This grandfathered sign business probably need to stop. I saw the new vape shop in the "terry's two way" building across from taft. It's just got a cheap vinyl tarp hung over the old sign with bungee cords. Signage should be like plumbing, electric, ADA, and everything else. When a new business goes in or the building is sold, it needs to be brought up to code.

I'm a fan of broadway signage: requiring it to be attached to the structure. It inspires people to build more attractive, eye catching signs. Rather than HUGE in your face, blocking your view from anything but the sign in sight triangles and lines of sight.

^^^^^
Thè sign even predates the dealership; it was at the very least from the carpet place that was there in the eighties and nineties. One thing I noticed when looking at it is that demo might be pricey, and perhaps that was a factor in retaining it. But really, it is probably mostly that it dominates the surrounding landscape. And yeah, I noticed the rusty/bare/unpainted metal too.

Back to the subject...

I went in this Sam's last night and I didn't notice it was any different than any other... Laid out the same with the same items.

That said, I'm happy to have one closer in as I buy bulk dog food about once a month and a few other items there. Only 10 minutes from downtown.

Wait...only 10 minutes from downtown? I know of at least half a dozen reasonably decent grocery stores that are even closer than that, yet we've repeatedly been told here that there are absolutely no grocery options within even FIFTEEN minutes of downtown...

I really enjoyed the fresh made tortillas and fresh squeezed orange juice.

Been there a couple of times and glad it's here....but it's horrible to try to get in and out of the parking lot...especially cars leaving trying to go north.
Any word about a traffic light at the exit/entrance? I know there's one just a block away, but this place is ripe for numerous accidents. I ended up going west around the neighborhood.

I've really grown to love this store and it's proven to be a completely satisfying replacement for my former addiction to Costco.

On several occassions, I've had people on the floor ask me if I needed help... That literally never happened in 10+ years shopping at Costco.

This past weekend, I bought a nice grill (and after much shopping around, at a bargain price) and 3 different people went above and beyond in helping me.

First, I asked the woman at the self-checkout about the process for buying an assembled grill right off the floor. She left her post, when and rolled one over to checkout while I did some other shopping, that took care of everything for me.

Then, she told me to ask at the front door if I needed help getting it into my car. The lady at the front insisted on getting someone to help me and summoned a nice kid who indeed was happy to help me get it loaded.

Maybe because it's a newer location -- because I did not have these types of experiences at I-40 & McArthur -- but the people at this store have been great and they pretty much carry everything I bought at Costco.

I also really like the self checkout (something Costco doesn't have) and the Scan & Go app.

I am at this location about once a week. they are always pleasant and helpful and the self checkout is a game changer. I get through in no time flat!. as I did this sunday I thought why does anyone go through the regular checkout you can scan everything in your cart and not even remove it and be done! it is also not ever as busy as that one on I-40. that one is horrible. This location was the reason I bought a membership.

Also loving this location. It's never too busy and the customer service is top notch. Pretty much the same set up as every Costco I've ever been to, especially the one up in Tulsa.

I'm just about ready to stop using Scan & Go.

Fantastic tool and super easy to use, but 3 of the last 4 times I've used it the people scanning the bar code from your phone at the door couldn't do it.

First, the battery on their scanner was dead. The next time the guy couldn't get it to work. And just yesterday the lady kept trying and actually took my phone (without asking) and messed things up to the point I had to take it back from her and then undo the closing of the program, etc. She had to try and scan it several times, jack with her scanner, on and on.

And in every instance, people are whizzing by me on their way out while I stood their waiting and waiting.

I'm going to write them an email and tell them to either commit to getting their employees trained properly, or scrap it.

I'm just about ready to stop using Scan & Go.

Fantastic tool and super easy to use, but 3 of the last 4 times I've used it the people scanning the bar code from your phone at the door couldn't do it.

First, the battery on their scanner was dead. The next time the guy couldn't get it to work. And just yesterday the lady kept trying and actually took my phone (without asking) and messed things up to the point I had to take it back from her and then undo the closing of the program, etc. She had to try and scan it several times, jack with her scanner, on and on.

And in every instance, people are whizzing by me on their way out while I stood their waiting and waiting.

I'm going to write them an email and tell them to either commit to getting their employees trained properly, or scrap it.

My wife and I had the same experience at the Penn and memorial location. I think they need to setup a kiosk at the exit that is hardwired to network and power. The kiosk then prints a receipt that the non-IT person up front can read.

They just need to train their employees and have proper management.

ALL those people have to do is count items and check off receipts. Not too much to ask that they make sure the device is properly charged and that they know how to use it.