Sam's Club to test business-only concept

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart's Sam's Club is testing a new store concept that focuses solely on its small business members.

The new store club concept called Sam's Club Business Center, which is opening in a Sam's Club location in Houston in July, will focus on bulk items such as office supplies and food needed by restaurants, convenience stores, offices and other enterprises.

The store will not carry apparel, certain consumer items and recreational merchandise.

"This building will help teach us something," said Doug McMillon, chief executive of Sam's Club, as he addressed a media gathering Thursday in advance of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s annual shareholder's meeting on Friday.

McMillon said "if we like the financials" then the company will convert Sam's Clubs to the new concept in certain locations that cater heavily to small business owners, as does the Houston location.

Sam's Club has been working closely with its small business members, which have been struggling with inflationary pressures on food and fuel.

"We are an agent for our members and our members watch every penny," McMillon said.

With nearly 600 stores nationwide, Sam's had sales of $43.3 billion last year.