Sam's Adds Luxe Comforters

By Cecile B. Corral -- Home Textiles Today, 10/29/2007 12:00:00 AM

Bentonville, Ark. — —

Bentonville, Ark. — White goose down-filled, 425-count, oversized comforters and pillows, feather beds and down-filled blankets – all of them hypoallergenic -- were singled out as “key items” Sam's Club is now selling, to respond the members' calls for more “luxurious” items.

“These are a few key items at Sam's that demonstrate our continuing commitment to raising the quality level that we offer to our members,” said Patty Warwick, svp, segment leader, Sam's Club. “To make strong quality statements…product performance in addition to brands is also important. Understanding how our members define quality and then going out and sourcing and specking products that meet their high standards is critical.”

These top-of-the-line bedding products share company with other luxury goods now available at Sam's Club, like diamonds in “breathtaking” cuts and a “range of karat weights” as well as pearls, rubies, sapphires, gold, silver and other high quality jewelry pieces, Warwick said.

Sustainability initiatives are another merchandise focus these days at Sam's Club, to catch the attention of members looking for earth-friendlier goods that offer new technologies that result in better quality – including a pull-vein technique that delivers the world's most convenient shrimp to Sam's food department.

“Solutions are important to both small business owner and family [members],” said Doug McMillon, evp, president and ceo.

Coming soon for the holidays, Sam's Club will mail out its new Holiday Catalog, revamped this year, to members' home starting November 1. Its showcase focus will be name brands and quality products, said Matt Kistler, svp, marketing research and insight.

Also around the corner is the debut of a 24-page holiday insert in Oprah Winfrey's O magazine. Here, Sam's Club will highlight 12 holiday entertaining and gift items – including its organic free-trade Brazilian coffee and pull-vein cooked shrimp – which the warehouse club selected “around sustainability,” Kistler said.