Many families are looking for ways to reduce dinner costs, and warehouse clubs are meeting this demand with ready-to-eat meals. These meals offer an alternative to cooking from scratch or opting for takeout. Among these options is Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark Chicken Shawarma Kit, a 37-ounce meal priced at just under $16 on their website.
A Sam’s Club spokesperson highlighted a broader strategy to provide members with convenient dinner solutions, stating, Our members consistently tell us they want convenient, high-quality meal solutions at an incredible value.
The spokesperson also emphasized other popular options like the Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken.
The Chicken Shawarma Kit includes six pitas, fully cooked chicken shawarma, Mediterranean-style bruschetta, feta cheese, and sauces like creamy garlic and spicy tahini, according to Sam’s Club’s website. Warehouse clubs, however, are not only competing on price but on time value.
Laura Burkemper, founder and CEO of SCALEBLAZER in St. Louis, stated, For busy families, the question at 5 p.m. isn’t simply, ‘What’s cheapest?’ It’s ‘What can I put on the table quickly, affordably, and without another decision to make?’
She added that a $16 meal addresses issues like affordability, convenience, portion size, and predictability.
Consumers are responding to increasing food and fuel costs by considering options like Sam’s Club’s offer. Bryan Gildenberg, CEO of Confluencer Commerce, noted that Sam’s Club and Costco target different customer segments. He stated, “Costco’s member is more coastal and more affluent,” making Sam’s price-sensitive meals an appealing choice for its members.
Reviews of the kit on Sam’s Club’s website have highlighted its convenience and price, but some customers mentioned concerns about portion sizes. One reviewer remarked on its value for busy evenings, though noted the portions might not suffice for all six pitas provided. Another had a similar view, appreciating the flavor but needing to supplement the meal with additional side dishes.