Despite a drop in sales due to the government shutdown, retail giant Sam's Club announced their decision to waive membership fees for the temporarily unpaid members of the military, WIVB TV reported.
Because domestic commissaries on military bases are closed due to the shutdown, members of the armed forces and their family members will not need to use a Sam Club's card to enter the store and shop -- all they need is proof of military service.
Carrie Moore, a spokesperson for the company, released a statement on their website explaining the store's action.
"In response to the U.S. government shutdown of domestic military base commissaries, all U.S. Sam's Club locations will offer free shopping passes to military personnel, retirees and their families so they may continue to save on home and business essentials.
"To receive the temporary pass, guests should show military ID or proof of past/present military service at Sam's Club Member Service counters. Sam's Club will continue to offer the temporary passes to military personnel and families until the U.S. government resumes domestic commissary operations.
"Military personnel and their families heavily depend on commissaries for low-price home and business essentials. In appreciation for the service the military provides members and communities, Sam's Club welcomes military families to shop its clubs as a first step to restoring normalcy and meeting family needs during uncertain times."
On Thursday, the warehouse club chain reported a drop in sales due to the shutdown. In addition, some store locations near the military bases saw a decline in sales as military personnel and families prepared for the possibility of a delayed paycheck.
"What we're really concerned about right now is what's happening with the furloughs. We're actually seeing a little bit of softness from the government layoffs," Chief Executive Rosalind Brewer told Reuters. "In a few clubs it was significant."
