BJ's Wholesale Club Appoints Stephanie Reibling as Chief Merchandising Officer
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 01 2026
0mins
Should l Buy BJ?
BJ's Wholesale Club announced that Stephanie Reibling has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, effective immediately. Reibling will lead the company's merchandising organization, playing a critical role in driving BJ's merchandising transformation and delivering continued growth across categories. Reibling brings nearly 25 years of experience across merchandising, product and brand development and sourcing. Most recently, she served as senior vice president, general merchandise manager at Sam's Club, where she led a broad portfolio across apparel, home, hardlines, toys and seasonal categories for both clubs and e-commerce.
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Analyst Views on BJ
Wall Street analysts forecast BJ stock price to rise
17 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 93.510
Low
90.00
Averages
104.43
High
123.00
Current: 93.510
Low
90.00
Averages
104.43
High
123.00
About BJ
BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. is an operator of membership warehouse clubs concentrated primarily on the eastern half of the United States. The Company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials and gas. It also offers technology, home decor, apparel, seasonal items, among others. It groups its merchandise offerings into two divisions: perishables, grocery and sundries, and general merchandise and services. Perishables, grocery, and sundries consist of meat, produce, dairy, deli and frozen products, packaged foods, beverages, detergents, disinfectants, paper products, beauty care, adult and baby care, and pet foods. General merchandise and services consist of electronics, apparel, seasonal goods, small appliances, televisions, furniture, optical, tires and third-party gift cards. It offers specialty services, such as full-service optical centers, tire installation services, a propane tank filling service, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Membership Fee Increase: Walmart's Sam's Club is raising its membership fee from $50 to $60, following Costco's increase from $60 to $65 nearly two years ago, indicating intensifying competition in the warehouse membership sector.
- Competitive Market Dynamics: Although Sam's Club directly competes with Costco in the membership model, both chains have a similar number of locations, with 637 and approximately 600 stores respectively, and both operate internationally, complicating the competitive landscape.
- Sales Growth Comparison: In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Sam's Club's U.S. sales increased by 2.9% year-over-year, while Costco's total sales grew by 7.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, highlighting Costco's superior sales performance.
- Membership Migration Risk: With the narrowing membership fee gap, some Sam's Club members may be tempted to switch to Costco, especially as the difference decreases from $15 to $5, raising expectations for membership renewals across premium clubs.
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- Positive Market Reaction: Costco's stock price rose after Sam's Club announced its fee hike, reflecting market confidence in Costco's long-term performance, particularly after reporting a 7.4% sales increase in its latest earnings report.
- Increased Membership Appeal: With the narrowing membership fee gap, some Sam's Club members may be enticed to switch to Costco, especially given Costco's reputation for superior products and services.
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- Sales Performance Review: In Q4, Sam's Club achieved a 4.0% increase in comparable sales, with a 5.3% rise in transactions offsetting a 1.3% decline in average ticket size, while adjusted operating income rose by 3.8%, although it did not match the growth rates of Walmart's U.S. and International segments.
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See More
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- Membership Fee Adjustment: Sam's Club is increasing its basic membership fee from $50 to $60 and its Plus membership from $110 to $120, although these rates remain lower than Costco's, indicating its awareness of competitive pricing.
- Sales Growth: The warehouse club reported a 3.1% increase in net sales to $93 billion last fiscal year, partly driven by a 23% year-over-year rise in e-commerce sales, highlighting the effectiveness of its digital expansion strategy.
- Gas Price Impact: With the national average gas price hitting $4.018 due to the Iran war, more consumers are drawn to Sam's Club's fuel discounts, enhancing its value proposition for members amid rising fuel costs.
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See More
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- Membership Fee Increase: Walmart's Sam's Club is raising its membership fee from $50 to $60, following Costco's increase from $60 to $65 nearly two years ago, indicating intensifying competition in the warehouse membership sector.
- Competitive Market Dynamics: Although Sam's Club directly competes with Costco in the membership model, both chains have a similar number of locations, with 637 and approximately 600 stores respectively, and both operate internationally, complicating the competitive landscape.
- Sales Growth Comparison: In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Sam's Club's U.S. sales increased by 2.9% year-over-year, while Costco's total sales grew by 7.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, highlighting Costco's superior sales performance.
- Membership Migration Risk: With the narrowing membership fee gap, some Sam's Club members may be tempted to switch to Costco, especially as the difference decreases from $15 to $5, raising expectations for membership renewals across premium clubs.
See More
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- Membership Fee Increase: Sam's Club is raising its annual membership fee from $50 to $60, following Costco's increase from $60 to $65 two years ago, indicating intensified competition in their membership models.
- Positive Market Reaction: Costco's stock price rose after Sam's Club announced its fee hike, reflecting market confidence in Costco's long-term performance, particularly after reporting a 7.4% sales increase in its latest earnings report.
- Increased Membership Appeal: With the narrowing membership fee gap, some Sam's Club members may be enticed to switch to Costco, especially given Costco's reputation for superior products and services.
- Significant E-commerce Growth: Both companies reported a 23% increase in e-commerce sales, suggesting that the expansion of online channels will be a critical factor in future competition amid rising membership fees.
See More
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- Oil Price Surge: Trump's address indicated that the U.S. would strike Iran
See More
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- Membership Fee Increase: Sam's Club announced a $10 increase in its basic membership fee to $60 and $120 for the higher-tier option, marking the first price hike since October 2022, effective May 1, aimed at enhancing member services.
- Market Competition Insight: The new fee structure remains below current rates charged by Costco (COST) but matches BJ's Wholesale Club (BJ), indicating Sam's strategic pricing approach in a competitive membership retail landscape.
- Membership Growth Momentum: Although specific figures were not disclosed, Sam's Club recorded its highest-ever membership count at the end of its last reporting period, reflecting success in attracting new members, which could further drive sales growth.
- Sales Performance Review: In Q4, Sam's Club achieved a 4.0% increase in comparable sales, with a 5.3% rise in transactions offsetting a 1.3% decline in average ticket size, while adjusted operating income rose by 3.8%, although it did not match the growth rates of Walmart's U.S. and International segments.
See More
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- Membership Fee Adjustment: Sam's Club announced an increase in its basic membership fee from $50 to $60 and the Plus membership fee from $110 to $120, effective May 1, aimed at supporting services that members love, although still below competitor Costco's pricing.
- Sales Growth: The U.S. net sales for Sam's Club grew by approximately 3.1% to $93 billion, partly driven by a 23% year-over-year increase in e-commerce sales during the holiday quarter, indicating strong performance in its digital business.
- Estimated Membership Count: While Sam's Club does not disclose specific membership numbers, it is estimated to exceed 30 million, with a similar proportion of high-tier members as Costco, and the fee increase is expected to boost annual income for parent company Walmart by over $200 million.
- Enhanced Rewards Program: Under the new fee structure, Plus members will be able to earn up to $750 per year in Sam's Cash rewards on eligible purchases, up from $500 previously, further enhancing the appeal of membership.
See More
Sam's Club Raises Membership Fee by $10
- Membership Fee Adjustment: Sam's Club is increasing its basic membership fee from $50 to $60 and its Plus membership from $110 to $120, although these rates remain lower than Costco's, indicating its awareness of competitive pricing.
- Sales Growth: The warehouse club reported a 3.1% increase in net sales to $93 billion last fiscal year, partly driven by a 23% year-over-year rise in e-commerce sales, highlighting the effectiveness of its digital expansion strategy.
- Gas Price Impact: With the national average gas price hitting $4.018 due to the Iran war, more consumers are drawn to Sam's Club's fuel discounts, enhancing its value proposition for members amid rising fuel costs.
- Increased Member Rewards: The new fee structure allows Plus members to earn up to $750 in cash rewards annually, up from $500, aimed at boosting member loyalty and encouraging higher spending within the club.
See More
