Wal-Mart Stores has announced in a press statement the appointment of Shopper Events, a third-party marketing company, to run in-store product sampling and demonstration at Sam’s Club outlets resulting in the loss of approximately 10,000 jobs.
The new, enhanced demo programme, called Tastes and Tips, is designed to build member loyalty, attract new shoppers and drive growth by giving Sam’s Club members the chance to discover new items and find fresh ways to serve their customers and families, according to the retailer.
“We spend a lot of time talking to and listening to today’s consumer and our own Club Members,” Sam’s Club president and CEO Brian Cornell said in a letter to associates. “We have found that in-club demos, or product sampling, is one of the things they love most about the Club experience.
“The most difficult part of this transition is the impact to approximately 10,000 demo associates, most of whom are part-time. We do not make these decisions lightly, and know that this is a difficult development for the members of our Sam’s Club family who will be leaving the company. I also know that this will be a hard time for others in the Club who have worked with these Associates and, in many cases, formed close relationships.”
Mr Cornell added that the retailer is under the impression that Shopper Events will rapidly appoint new staff to accommodate the new business, hiring roughly the same number of people. All current Club demo associates will have the opportunity to apply for the new positions.
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