Wal-Mart news briefs: Man grooming, Sam’s closes a club, Angus upgrade

Wal-Mart is testing dozens of new applications and processes in this ever changing world of consumer driven retail. One of the latest versions of its ongoing subscription tests is the launch of a men’s grooming box.

This week the retailer also closed a Sam’s Club location in Philadelphia. And prior to the July 4 holiday, Wal-Mart said it upgraded some of its beef selections to certified Angus in its U.S. business.

MAN GROOMING
As part of Wal-Mart Beauty, the retail giant unveiled a new limited edition subscription box for men. The grooming box cost $7 and includes products likes Axe You Daily Fragrance, Schick Hydro 5 razor along with Edge Shave Gel. The box also has hair care and body wash products from Dove as well as antiperspirant from Degree and a $5 coupon from Conair on clippers.

Wal-Mart has offered a beauty box subscription for women but this is the first time a similar offer has been extended to men. Wal-Mart is working with Hello Subscription on this test.

Wal-Mart’s beauty box for women for the spring was also recently sent to subscribers. The cost of that box was $5.

SAM’S CLUB CLOSURE
Sam’s Club closed the doors of its Exton, Penn., club located on the outskirts of Philadelphia on June 30. The closure was originally announced two months ago when the retail giant filed a WARN notice with the state showing that 126 jobs at the club would be eliminated.

Wal-Mart said the employees are receiving 60 days pay and will be considered for openings at other retail locations within the retail giant’s store fleet.

“After a careful and thoughtful review process, we’ve made the difficult but important decision to close our Exton, Pa. Sam’s Club … We continually review our company portfolio to make sure we are best positioned to achieve our long-term strategy. We are grateful to our members and the community who have given us the privilege of serving them,” said Tara Raddohl, spokeswoman for Sam’s Club.

ANGUS BEEF UPGRADE
Wal-Mart said it has upgraded some of its beef selections in U.S. stores to certified Angus. The retailer has been working with suppliers Tyson Foods and Cargill to secure Angus steaks and roasts which will come at no extra charge to customers, according to Scott Neal, senior vice president of meat and seafood for Wal-Mart.

The retailer said it has been rolling out the higher-quality beef cuts to its U.S. store fleet throughout the spring. Wal-Mart calls the cuts “Verified Angus.” The retailer has not yet advertised this move.

Meat experts said Angus beef standards require marbling and flavor consistency. This is not the first time Wal-Mart has upgraded its beef products. In 2011, the retailer moved from offering mostly Select beef, which is the lowest quality of the three grades given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Choice is the middle grade and Prime is the premium or highest quality grade.