A Sam's Club may be coming to Christiansburg in the Marketplace shopping center, according to the Roanoke Times.

If the project is approved, this will be the first Sam's Club in the New River Valley. Currently, many residents who enjoy shopping at the warehouse-type store tend to travel to the store in Roanoke.

The opening of this store would be great for homeowners because it will make use of a shopping center that is underused, increase the tax base and provide a new amenity to the community.

"Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will seek permission to open a Sam's Club at the underused Christiansburg Marketplace shopping center, company spokeswoman E.R. Anderson said.

Paperwork will be filed 'in a month or so,' according to Anderson.
If the project comes to fruition, it would create the first Sam's Club in the New River Valley.

Sam's Club is popular for selling food in bulk packages to clientele who pay $35 for an annual membership ($40 for a family) to shop in a warehouse-type store with a pharmacy, tire and battery shop, floral department and cafe.

The chain generated $11.9 billion in second-quarter revenue for Arkansas-based Wal-Mart, which operates Sam's Clubs in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Beckley, W.Va.

Town Manager Lance Terpenny said project representatives have spoken informally with the town's planning and zoning office about using the store to reinvigorate the 18-year-old Marketplace center, which is laden with vacant storefronts even as nearby shopping centers are full.

Although many details require attention, including the issuance of building permits and signing of a lease, Marketplace merchants and shoppers are delighted by the prospect for the store."

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