A fresh take: Brownsville Sam's store remodeled

Brownsville’s Sam’s Club was among the first 10 in the country to get a full remodel that the membership-only-based retail warehouse said is meant a response to consumer demand and a simplification of the shopping experience for customers.

"We listened to our members and expanded the departments that are most important to them, such as fresh foods, meat, baby care and the health and wellness area," said Orlando Nava, manager of the Brownsville Sam’s.

Visitors to the Sam’s will find an exanded selection of baby food and diapers in newborn size on up. The baby area has been moved to the health and wellness departments, which has added more over-the-counter medicines, vitamin supplements and health and beauty aids.

Sam’s produce section has been expanded as well, with sliced fruits and — in an upscale move for company — a selection of artisan cheeses from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the United States.

Kristy Reed, a Sam’s spokeswoman, said the store’s gourmet cheese section features the "best of the best," and is similar to the selection found at specialty cheese shops or Whole Foods.

The addition of fancy cheese at Sam’s is likely a response to the U.S. consumers’ growing interest in artisan and small-batch cheeses over the last several years.

"We have really taken a look at the way our members shop and also the products they’ve requested from us," Reed said.

Other changes from the remodeling, which wrapped up a little over two weeks ago, include a reconfigured electronics department, where the "wall of televisions" has been moved back and the aisles opened up to give customers easier access.

Movies and music are now grouped with electronics, which seemed to make more sense, Reed said, while jewelry is now located near apparel and books — again in response to requests from Sam’s members.

The remodeling also introduced a new center aisle running from front to back, Reed said, while the new secondary aisles are smaller and easier to navigate. The store’s café, optical shop, fuel station and pharmacy also got an upgrade.

Business supplies such as pens and printer paper have been moved closer to the front of the store to make it easier for business owners to get in and out, Reed said.

Sam’s plans to remodel 150 more locations around the country by the end of 2011. The company, owned and operated by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., was founded in 1983 and has roughly 600 locations in 48 states.

The Brownsville location, at 3570 West Alton Gloor Blvd., opened in October 1998. Sam’s Club is named for Walmart founder Sam Walton, who died in 1992.