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Warehouse Club, Inc.

From The History of the Warehouse Club, Inc.
Warehouse Club, Inc.
Logo Logo of Warehouse Club
Type Public
Traded as NASDAQ: WCLB (1986–1994)
Industry Retail
Founded 1983
Defunct 1995
Fate Closed due to financial difficulties and competitive pressures
Headquarters Niles, Illinois, United States; Skokie, Illinois, United States
Locations 15 over its lifetime
Area served Midwestern United States
Key people
  • Walter H. Teninga (Founder and CEO)
  • Sid Doolittle (Co-Founder, 1983–1985)
  • Everett Buckhardt (CEO, 1993–1994)
  • Jack McBride (Chief Financial Officer)
  • William C. Kahrs (Vice President of Operations)
  • James T. McKitrick (CEO, 1986–1987)
  • James V. Walsh (CFO, later President and COO)
  • Sherwin Deutchman (President and COO, resigned 1991)
  • Steven J. Zabel (CFO, resigned 1996)
Products General merchandise, groceries, automotive supplies
Revenue $134 million (1993)[1]
Operating income -$4.5 million (1993)[2]
Net income Loss of $6.6 million in 1994[3]
Assets $82 million (1993)[4]
Number of employees 500 (1993)[5]

Warehouse Club, Inc. was a membership-based wholesale retail chain founded in 1983 by Walter H. Teninga, a former executive at S.S. Kresge Co. (later known as Kmart), and Sidney Doolittle, a former executive at Montgomery Ward. The company aimed to provide significant savings on a wide range of products, including general merchandise, groceries, and automotive supplies, primarily targeting small business owners, corporate employees, union members, and credit union members.

Over the course of its operation, Warehouse Club owned and operated 15 locations across the Midwestern United States. However, the company struggled to compete with larger national chains such as Sam's Club and Costco. Despite efforts to expand and adapt, including the opening of a key location in Chicago's Clybourn Corridor in 1994, Warehouse Club ultimately ceased operations the next year due to financial difficulties and competitive pressures. Although its time in the retail industry was brief, Warehouse Club played a role in the broader acceptance and evolution of the membership-based wholesale model.

History

Founding and Early Years (1983–1985)

Warehouse Club, Inc. was founded in 1983 by Walter H. Teninga, who had previously served as an executive at S.S. Kresge Co. (which later became Kmart) and briefly at Price Club. Price Co.'s first attempt to use outsiders involved setting up a separate division for Northern California in 1982, headed by Teninga, making him the first outsider to join Price Co.'s leadership team. Teninga was even elected to the company's board of directors. However, before the division could open its first store, Teninga left Price Club when its founder, Sol Price, declined to take his advice to expand the business into the Midwest. The division was subsequently folded back into the company before the first store opened. Teninga then used the knowledge he gained to start his own Price Club-inspired venture near Chicago, while Price Co. chose to open its Northern California stores on its own.[6]

Motivated by his experiences at Price Club, Teninga pursued his vision of a membership-based wholesale retail chain, leading to the creation of Warehouse Club, Inc. He co-founded the company with Sid Doolittle, a former Montgomery Ward executive who played a key role in shaping the company's initial strategy.[7]

Sid Doolittle's expertise and innovative ideas in the warehouse retail model gained the attention of prominent figures in the retail industry. Notably, Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart and Sam's Club, visited one of Doolittle's early warehouse clubs to gain insights into the business model. Walton's visit was instrumental in shaping his vision for Sam's Club, which would later become one of the largest and most successful warehouse retail chains in the world. This encounter highlights Doolittle's far-reaching influence on the evolution of modern retail.[8]

The company initially planned to open its first store in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, within an industrial park. However, these plans were thwarted when Teninga was unable to secure a special use permit required to operate a retail-focused business in an area zoned for industrial use. Additionally, lease negotiations with the building's owner, Prudential Life Insurance Co., fell through, leading to the abandonment of this location.[9]

Despite this setback, Teninga moved forward with the establishment of the first Warehouse Club location in Niles, Illinois, later that year. The Niles store quickly attracted a substantial membership base, drawing approximately 35,000 members within its first five months of operation. The initial business model focused on providing wholesale prices to members, with a particular emphasis on small businesses and corporate accounts.[10]

Investors and Initial Growth

Warehouse Club was initially funded through a combination of private investment and a public offering in 1986, where it began trading on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "WCLB." W. R. Grace & Company acquired a 50 percent interest in Warehouse Club Inc. in October 1983. This acquisition was part of Grace's strategy to diversify its investments and leverage Warehouse Club's membership-based retail model. David L. Yunich, a Grace director and consultant, represented Grace's interest and played a role in guiding the company's operations.[11] Other key early investors included prominent figures such as A. Alfred Taubman (a real estate developer and mall magnate), Max M. Fisher (a Detroit-based philanthropist and oil executive), and George F. Valassis (a Detroit investor who acquired a 41% stake in the company in 1987).[12][13] The capital raised from these investments allowed the company to expand its footprint across the Midwest, particularly in states like Illinois and Michigan.

Expansion and Growth (1985–1990)

By the mid-1980s, Warehouse Club was actively expanding its footprint, focusing both on increasing its presence in the Chicago metropolitan area and entering new markets across the Midwest. In 1986, the company acquired leases from the recently closed Pick 'N Save grocery stores in Arlington Heights and Lombard, Illinois. These new locations, along with the opening of a store in Hammond, Indiana, were part of the company's strategy to solidify its presence in the greater Chicago area.[14]

Simultaneously, Warehouse Club expanded into several new markets outside of the Chicago area, establishing locations in states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. This strategic growth was aimed at capturing a larger share of the burgeoning warehouse retail sector across the Midwest, capitalizing on the demand for bulk purchasing and membership-based savings.[15]

During this period, Warehouse Club employed aggressive marketing strategies to attract members, including direct price comparisons with established retailers such as Kmart and Sears. These comparisons highlighted the potential savings members could achieve by shopping at Warehouse Club, thereby reinforcing the value of the membership.[16]

The company sought to capitalize on the departure of BJ's Wholesale Club from the Chicago market in 1987 by offering former BJ's members the opportunity to transfer their memberships to Warehouse Club. This move was part of a broader effort to capture market share and strengthen the company's position in the competitive warehouse retail sector.[17]

Challenges and Strategic Moves (1990–1994)

As the 1990s began, Warehouse Club faced increasing financial difficulties. In 1990, the company entered into a non-binding letter of intent with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) for the purchase of a 51% stake in Warehouse Club. The deal, which was valued at approximately $10.95 million, would have provided the company with much-needed capital. However, the agreement ultimately fell through, leaving Warehouse Club in a precarious financial position.[18][19]

Despite these challenges, Warehouse Club continued to seek growth opportunities. In 1994, the company opened a new store in the Clybourn Corridor of Chicago, an area known for its competitive retail environment. This move was part of a strategy to secure a foothold in urban markets before larger national competitors, such as Sam's Club, could establish a presence in the city.[20] The Clybourn store, which opened on March 26, 1994, in a building shared with Montgomery Ward's Electric Avenue and Homemakers Furniture, was a novel configuration for the company. The 76,000-square-foot store featured a mix of bulk-packaged foods and traditionally displayed items like clothing and jewelry, aiming to cater to the neighborhood’s needs in a more upscale manner than typical warehouse clubs. This location was critical for Warehouse Club as it sought to differentiate itself by targeting an urban customer base, while also reacting to the opportunity that arose when Sam's Club, which had acquired Pace Membership Warehouse, formerly a Kmart division, allowed its option on the building to expire.[21][22]

Decline and Closure (1994–1995)

By late 1994, Warehouse Club was facing insurmountable financial challenges due to intense competition from larger, better-capitalized chains like Sam's Club and Costco. These pressures, combined with the company's inability to secure long-term financial stability, led to a significant decline. Despite operating 10 locations at the beginning of 1995, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 2, 1995, and announced plans to close 4 unprofitable stores, bringing its count down to 6.[23]

At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Warehouse Club's assets were estimated at $31 million, while liabilities were estimated at $32 million. The largest stockholder, George F. Valassis, controlled approximately 80.7% of the outstanding common stock. The company's unsecured creditors, which included suppliers like Bunzi Distribution and Coca-Cola Bottling, were owed a total of $4.9 million.[24]

In August 1995, Warehouse Club Inc. announced that it would not attempt to continue operations under Chapter 11 reorganization and would instead liquidate its remaining assets. The company, which at that time operated six stores in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, decided to cease all operations, marking the end of Warehouse Club's presence in the retail industry after 12 years.[25] The liquidation process included the closure of the Dayton, Ohio store located at 835 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., where 67 employees were informed of the closure, with most expected to remain employed through mid-October 1995. The going-out-of-business sale was managed by Gordon Brothers Cos., starting on August 13, 1995, and was open to all customers, accepting cash and major credit cards but not checks.[26]

Business Model

Membership Structure

Warehouse Club, Inc. operated on a membership-based model that was designed to cater to specific segments of the market. The primary types of memberships offered by the company included those for small business owners, corporate employees, union members, and members of certain credit unions. These memberships provided access to the company's wholesale prices, which were significantly lower than those of traditional retail stores.[27]

The membership structure was a key component of Warehouse Club's business model, as it allowed the company to create a loyal customer base that was incentivized to return for regular purchases. By targeting business owners and corporate employees, the company aimed to build a customer base that not only needed to purchase in bulk but also had the purchasing power to do so.[28]

Over time, Warehouse Club experienced significant growth in its membership numbers, particularly in the early years of its operation. Within the first five months of opening its Niles, Illinois location, the company reported a membership base of approximately 35,000 members.[29] The demographics of the membership were diverse, with a mix of small business owners, corporate clients, and union members, which contributed to a steady stream of revenue for the company.

Product Offerings

Warehouse Club offered a wide range of products that spanned multiple categories, catering to the needs of its varied membership base. The primary product categories included general merchandise, groceries, automotive supplies, electronics, and home goods.[30] The company's product selection was designed to appeal to both individual consumers and business customers, providing them with the convenience of one-stop shopping at wholesale prices.

One of the unique selling propositions of Warehouse Club was its ability to offer products at prices that were often significantly lower than those of traditional retailers. This was achieved through bulk purchasing and a streamlined supply chain that minimized overhead costs. Additionally, Warehouse Club frequently conducted price comparisons with major competitors such as Kmart and Sears to highlight the savings that could be realized by shopping at the club.[31]

Over the years, Warehouse Club made several merchandising adjustments across different locations to better compete in the evolving retail market. For example, some locations experimented with store layout changes by placing seasonal items and apparel categories at the front of the store, which was intended to increase visibility and drive impulse purchases.[32]

At the Clybourn Corridor location, which opened in 1994, the company introduced new product categories such as pet food and office products, reflecting a shift to cater more specifically to the needs of the urban customer base. The Clybourn store also featured a "smoother touch" in its merchandising approach, displaying clothing, jewelry, and videotapes similarly to more traditional stores, rather than the bulk-oriented presentation seen in earlier locations.[33]

Some locations, especially those in areas with a high density of small businesses, emphasized business supplies and bulk office products more heavily to appeal to local demand. Additionally, certain stores offered tailored selections, such as expanded automotive supplies and meat departments, depending on the preferences and needs of the local customer base.[34]

The Clybourn Corridor location also benefited from shared resources with Montgomery Ward's Electric Avenue and Homemakers Furniture, which were located in the same building. This collaboration allowed Warehouse Club to focus on bulk-packaged foods and paper products while relying on Montgomery Ward for electronics.[35]

Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising played a crucial role in the success of Warehouse Club, particularly during its expansion phase. The company employed a variety of marketing strategies to attract and retain members, including direct mail campaigns, newspaper advertisements, and in-store promotions.[36]

One of the key marketing strategies used by Warehouse Club was direct price comparisons with established retailers. These comparisons were prominently featured in advertising materials and were designed to demonstrate the significant savings that members could achieve by shopping at Warehouse Club. This approach helped to differentiate the company from its competitors and reinforced the value proposition of the membership.[37]

Warehouse Club also focused on creating a sense of exclusivity and value for its members. By limiting memberships to specific groups, such as small business owners and corporate employees, the company was able to foster a sense of belonging among its customers. This exclusivity was further reinforced through targeted marketing campaigns that emphasized the benefits of membership and the unique shopping experience offered by Warehouse Club.[38]

Overall, Warehouse Club's marketing and advertising efforts were instrumental in driving membership growth and establishing the company as a competitive player in the wholesale retail industry.

Locations

Warehouse Club, Inc. operated multiple locations across the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Below is a detailed list of all known locations, including specific addresses, opening and closing dates, and unique features associated with certain stores.[39]

Locations That Opened

Warehouse Club Locations
Location Address Opened Closed Notes
Illinois
Arlington Heights, Illinois 1700 East Rand Road May 22, 1986 April 3, 1987 Location acquired from Pick 'N Save grocery stores. Subleased to American Wholesale Club.[40]
Bridgeview, Illinois 9140 South Harlem Avenue October 30, 1986 March 5, 1995 Menards bought the 100,000-square-foot property in 1995 for $4.5 million.[41]
Chicago, Illinois (Clybourn Corridor) Clybourn Avenue and Halsted Street March 26, 1994 March 5, 1995 This 76,000-square-foot store, located in a shared building with Montgomery Ward's Electric Avenue and Homemakers Furniture, represented a strategic urban expansion for Warehouse Club. The building's top floor was converted into a parking garage, shared by the three chains. This store featured a more traditional retail layout with added categories like pet food and office products. The location was secured after Pace Membership Warehouse, formerly a Kmart division, let its option on the site expire when Sam's Club acquired Pace. It was the first new Warehouse Club location since 1986.[42][43]
Lombard, Illinois 515 West Roosevelt Road May 22, 1986 April 3, 1987 Another location acquired from Pick 'N Save. Subleased to American Wholesale Club.[44]
Niles, Illinois 7420 North Lehigh Avenue July 4, 1983 September 1995 First Warehouse Club location. Established after the failure to secure a location in Elk Grove Village.[45]
Indiana
Hammond, Indiana 2434 Interstate Plaza 1985 Late 1993 Leased 100,000 square feet in the newly constructed Interstate Plaza shopping center. The 20-acre, $13 million project included other anchors such as an 80,000-square-foot Builders Square home improvement store and possibly an eight-screen cinema complex.[46]
Michigan
Allen Park, Michigan 4000 Enterprise Drive November 1985 September 1995 Part of the company's expansion into Michigan.[47]
Hazel Park, Michigan 1727 E. Eight Mile Unknown Circa 1990 Part of the company's expansion into Michigan. The building was vacant since about 1990 and was demolished in 2009 to make way for a new shopping center.[48]
Redford Township, Michigan 24400 Plymouth Road November 1985 September 1995 Supporting the company's goal of expanding into the state.[49]
Ohio
Akron, Ohio 3210 South Arlington Road Unknown March 5, 1995
Columbus, Ohio 4252 Groves Rd. 1985 March 5, 1995 100,000-square-foot location. This location implemented changes in its prototype layout, such as moving apparel and seasonal categories to the front and placing lower-margin items adjacent to destination areas in 1993.[50]
Columbus, Ohio 3770 Indianola Ave. 1985 September 10, 1990 111,600 sq. ft. The former Warehouse Club at this location was converted into a storage facility for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation in 1991.[51]
Dayton, Ohio 835 Edwin C. Moses Boulevard 1985 September 1995 The site was formerly occupied by the Liberal Markets warehouse, as noted in the Dayton Daily News on Friday, May 6, 1988. Featured an automotive center.[52]
Pennsylvania
Bridgeville, Pennsylvania Chartiers Valley Shopping Center, 1025 Washington Pike 1986 September 1995 This location tested a one-hour photo service in 1993.[53] This location was later converted by Destinta into the Chartiers Valley 20 theater.[54]
North Versailles, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Plaza East Shopping Center, 1701 Lincoln Highway 1985 September 10, 1990 The former Warehouse Club in North Versailles was converted into the Warehouse Flea Mart, a large indoor market.[55] It was then redeveloped into a 22-screen Destinta Theatres megaplex, which opened in May 1999.[56]

Proposed Locations That Never Opened

Proposed Warehouse Club Locations (Never Opened)
Location Address Notes
Illinois
Chicago, Illinois (South Loop) 509 W. Roosevelt Road Proposed location carved out of former Soo Line railroad property, intended to open by spring 1991 but never materialized.[57]
Cicero, Illinois Unknown One of three proposed locations by Warehouse Club, intended for the Chicago market.[58]
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 1950 Pratt Blvd. Proposed original location that never opened due to zoning and leasing challenges.[59]
Evanston, Illinois Unknown One of three proposed locations by Warehouse Club, intended for the Chicago market.[60]
Michigan
Roseville, Michigan Unknown Proposed location was originally constructed for Home Depot but was left unoccupied when Home Depot abandoned its plans for the Detroit market.[61]

Geographic Expansion

Warehouse Club's expansion strategy was driven by a desire to establish a strong presence in key markets across the Midwest and Northeast. The company selected its locations based on a combination of factors, including proximity to dense populations of small businesses and corporate offices, availability of suitable retail spaces, and the potential for capturing market share from competitors.

One of the key challenges faced by Warehouse Club was its attempt to break into the highly competitive Chicago market. Despite initial efforts to secure a location in Elk Grove Village, the company encountered significant zoning and leasing issues, which delayed its entry into the market.[62] Later, the company focused on suburban areas like Arlington Heights and Lombard, where it acquired locations from the defunct Pick 'N Save grocery chain. However, these suburban stores faced stiff competition from other warehouse clubs, leading to their eventual closure and sublease to American Wholesale Club.[63]

In 1994, Warehouse Club made a strategic move to open a location in the Clybourn Corridor of Chicago, aiming to secure a foothold in the urban market before larger national chains could establish themselves. This location was intended to serve the growing urban population in areas like Lincoln Park, but despite its strategic importance, the store ultimately closed the same year due to ongoing financial struggles.[64]

Corporate Structure

Management and Leadership

Description of image
Walter H. Teninga, founder and CEO of Warehouse Club, Inc., at the Niles, Illinois location in 1989, the site of the company’s first store and the beginning of its venture into membership-based retail.

Warehouse Club, Inc. was founded by Walter "Wally" H. Teninga, a former executive at S.S. Kresge Co. and Price Club, in 1983. Teninga was instrumental in shaping the company's early strategy and direction, focusing on the members-only wholesale retail model. He served as the company's first CEO and was closely involved in its expansion efforts during the mid-1980s.[65]

Sid Doolittle, a co-founder and later a partner in the retail consulting firm McMillan/Doolittle, was a key figure in the company's early development but left the company in 1985.[66]

Walter H. Teninga, while credited with driving the company's initial growth, was known for his intense and often overbearing management style. His hands-on approach, which included micromanaging and making abrupt personnel changes, led to high turnover among top executives. This approach, combined with the company's challenges in the competitive Chicago market, created internal instability and contributed to the company’s struggle to sustain growth.[67]

In July 1986, James T. McKitrick was appointed as president and CEO of Warehouse Club, taking over the president's post from Teninga, who retained his role as Chairman. Teninga acknowledged the need for "more heft at the top" to manage the rapidly expanding company, which was operating nine stores at the time. McKitrick brought extensive experience in operations, merchandising, and marketing from his previous roles at Kmart and TG&Y stores, which Teninga believed were crucial for Warehouse Club's continued growth.[68]

Despite this leadership change, the company continued to face significant challenges in the evolving retail landscape. In July 1991, Teninga abruptly resigned as Chairman and CEO, with his responsibilities assumed by James V. Walsh, who had been the company's President and Chief Operating Officer. Walsh, who joined Warehouse Club as Chief Financial Officer in 1986, took over during a critical period as the company struggled to secure $8.5 million in working capital through a stock rights offering, backed by its principal shareholder, George F. Valassis.[69]

By the early 1990s, Everett Buckhardt had taken over as CEO, leading the company through some of its most challenging years, including the failed deal with A&P and efforts to compete with larger warehouse chains.[70]

Headquarters

Warehouse Club's headquarters initially were located in Niles, Illinois, where the company opened its first store in 1983. The choice of Niles for the headquarters was strategic, given its proximity to Chicago and the company's target market.[71]

In the mid-1980s, as the company expanded, the headquarters were relocated to 7235 Linder Ave., Skokie, Illinois. This move reflected the company's growth and the need for larger administrative facilities. However, by the early 1990s, financial difficulties led the company to downsize, and the headquarters were moved back to Niles.[72]

Financial Overview

Warehouse Club, Inc.'s financial performance varied significantly over its operational years. In its early years, the company experienced rapid growth, fueled by the expansion into new markets and the opening of multiple locations. However, the financial situation began to deteriorate in the late 1980s, as the company faced increasing competition from larger chains like Sam's Club and Costco.[73]

One of the most significant financial developments was the non-binding letter of intent with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) in 1990. Under this deal, A&P was set to acquire 7.3 million shares of Warehouse Club stock for approximately $10.95 million, giving A&P a 51% stake in the company. However, the deal ultimately collapsed, exacerbating the company's financial woes.[74][75]

Despite efforts to stabilize its finances, including the opening of a new store in Chicago's Clybourn Corridor in 1994, Warehouse Club continued to struggle financially, leading to its eventual closure later that year.[76]

Competition

Key Competitors

Warehouse Club, Inc. operated in a highly competitive market dominated by major warehouse retail chains such as Sam's Club, Costco, and Price Club. These competitors had significant advantages in terms of size, financial backing, and brand recognition, making it challenging for Warehouse Club to establish a dominant position.

  • Sam's Club: A division of Walmart, Sam's Club was one of the largest competitors in the warehouse retail space. With Walmart's substantial resources and extensive distribution network, Sam's Club was able to offer competitive pricing and a wide range of products, which posed a significant challenge to Warehouse Club.[77]
  • Costco: As one of the pioneers in the warehouse retail model, Costco had a strong reputation for offering high-quality products at low prices. Warehouse Club often found it difficult to match Costco's pricing and product offerings, which attracted a loyal customer base.[78]
  • Price Club: Founded by Sol Price, Price Club was the original warehouse club concept and set the standard for the industry. Warehouse Club's founder, Walter H. Teninga, had previously worked at Price Club, and the influence of Price Club's model was evident in Warehouse Club's business strategy.[79]

Market Dynamics

The warehouse retail sector during the 1980s and 1990s was characterized by intense competition, rapid expansion, and aggressive pricing strategies. Larger chains like Sam's Club and Costco leveraged their economies of scale to offer lower prices and a broader selection of goods, which made it difficult for smaller players like Warehouse Club to compete.

  • Competitive Landscape: The warehouse retail market was fiercely competitive, with new entrants frequently emerging and established players constantly expanding their reach. Warehouse Club attempted to differentiate itself through localized marketing and by targeting niche markets, such as small businesses and corporate employees.[80]
  • Challenges: One of the primary challenges Warehouse Club faced was its inability to match the purchasing power and supply chain efficiencies of its larger competitors. This often resulted in higher prices and a less diverse product selection, which ultimately limited its appeal to cost-conscious consumers.[81]

Warehouse Club's struggles were further compounded by its attempts to expand into markets that were already saturated with competitors. The company's strategic moves, such as opening a location in Chicago's Clybourn Corridor in 1994, were seen as efforts to carve out a niche in urban markets where competitors were less likely to enter. However, these efforts were not enough to offset the broader competitive pressures in the industry, leading to the company's eventual decline and closure.[82]

Legacy and Impact

Impact on Retail Industry

Warehouse Club, Inc. played a significant role in the evolution of the membership-based retail warehouse model in the United States, particularly during the 1980s and early 1990s. As one of the early adopters of this retail format, Warehouse Club helped establish the concept of offering bulk goods and significant discounts to a specific membership base, primarily targeting small business owners, corporate employees, and union members.

The influence of Warehouse Club extended beyond its operations, as the membership-based model became foundational for larger and more successful chains such as Sam's Club and Costco. While Warehouse Club did not reach the same level of market dominance as these competitors, its early efforts contributed to the broader acceptance and expansion of the warehouse club model in the retail industry.[83]

Aftermath of Closure

Following the closure of Warehouse Club, Inc. in 1995, many of its former locations were repurposed or taken over by competing retail chains. For example, some sites were acquired by larger warehouse retailers like Sam's Club, while others were converted into general retail spaces or left vacant for a time before being redeveloped.[84]

Warehouse Club’s legacy in the retail industry is seen as part of the early wave of warehouse clubs that helped shape the landscape of American retail. Although it was ultimately outcompeted by larger chains with more substantial financial backing, the company's pioneering efforts in the warehouse club model left an imprint on the industry, particularly in the Midwest.[85]

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Warehouse Club, Inc. *Annual Report*. 3rd Quarter, 1993.
  2. ↑ Warehouse Club, Inc. *Annual Report*. 3rd Quarter, 1993.
  3. ↑ "Warehouse Club Financials." *Crain's Chicago Business*. April 9, 1994, p. 12.
  4. ↑ Warehouse Club, Inc. *Annual Report*. 3rd Quarter, 1993.
  5. ↑ Warehouse Club, Inc. *Annual Report*. 3rd Quarter, 1993.
  6. ↑ O'Reiley, Tim. "Sol Price Looks North to Canada." San Diego Business Journal, Vol. 6, Iss. 15, Nov 4, 1985, p. 1.
  7. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens in Niles." Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago. May 22, 1986, p. 37.
  8. ↑ "Warehouse Club Pioneer Dies in Evanston." Evanston Now. August 2024. Accessed September 14, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Elk Grove Industrial Park Plans Halted." Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago. February 16, 1983, p. 23.
  10. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens in Niles." Chicago Tribune. December 29, 1983, p. 9.
  11. ↑ "W. R. Grace Acquires 50% Interest in Warehouse Club." *The New York Times*. October 27, 1983, Section D, p. 4.
  12. ↑ "Key Investors Drive Warehouse Club Expansion." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 3, 1986.
  13. ↑ "Warehouse Club 41% Stake Sold to Detroit Investors." *The Wall Street Journal*. May 1, 1987.
  14. ↑ "Firm Assumes Grocery-Store Leases." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. February 21, 1986, p. 34.
  15. ↑ Murphy, H. Lee. "Warehouse Club Expands Beyond Chicago." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 10, 1987.
  16. ↑ "Warehouse Club Launches Aggressive Marketing Campaign." *Chicago Sun-Times*. July 26, 1987, p. 11.
  17. ↑ "Buying club seeks B.J.'s members." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. November 8, 1990, p. 251.
  18. ↑ "A&P Makes Offer for Warehouse Club." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. November 8, 1990, p. 251.
  19. ↑ "Business Brief -- Warehouse Club Inc.: Accord to Sell 51% Stake To A&P Chain Is Ended." *The Wall Street Journal*. December 24, 1990.
  20. ↑ "Warehouse Club Pins Hopes on City Foray." *Crain's Chicago Business*. April 9, 1994.
  21. ↑ Veverka, Mark. "Warehouse Club pins hopes on city foray." *Crain's Chicago Business*. April 11, 1994, p. 37.
  22. ↑ Podmolik, Mary Ellen. "Warehouse Club Opens 10th Outlet." *Chicago Sun-Times*. March 18, 1994, p. 56.
  23. ↑ "Warehouse Club files Ch. 11, shuts units." *Discount Store News*. February 20, 1995, p. 4.
  24. ↑ "Warehouse Club files Ch. 11, shuts units." *Discount Store News*. February 20, 1995, p. 4.
  25. ↑ "Warehouse Club to Liquidate." *Crain's Chicago Business*. August 7, 1995, p. 1.
  26. ↑ Dillon, Jim. "Warehouse Club Closing Sale Begins." *Dayton Daily News*. August 12, 1995.
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  28. ↑ "Warehouse Club Launches Aggressive Marketing Campaign." *Chicago Sun-Times*. July 26, 1987, p. 11.
  29. ↑ "Buying Clubs Offer Savings." *Alton Telegraph*. December 29, 1983, p. 9.
  30. ↑ "Warehouse Club: A New Way to Shop." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. February 10, 1989, p. 16.
  31. ↑ "Warehouse Club Launches Aggressive Marketing Campaign." *Chicago Sun-Times*. July 26, 1987, p. 11.
  32. ↑ Chanil, Debra. "Wholesale clubs: Pause for reflection." *Discount Merchandiser*. November 1993, p. 33.
  33. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens 10th Outlet." *Chicago Sun-Times*. March 18, 1994, p. 56.
  34. ↑ Chanil, Debra. "Wholesale clubs: Pause for reflection." *Discount Merchandiser*. November 1993, p. 33.
  35. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens 10th Outlet." *Chicago Sun-Times*. March 18, 1994, p. 56.
  36. ↑ "Firm Assumes Grocery-Store Leases." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. February 21, 1986, p. 34.
  37. ↑ "Buying club seeks B.J.'s members." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. November 8, 1990, p. 251.
  38. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens in Niles." *Chicago Tribune*. December 29, 1983, p. 9.
  39. ↑ Display Ad 891 -- No Title. *Chicago Tribune*. December 2, 1990, p. W2.
  40. ↑ "Firm Assumes Grocery-Store Leases." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. February 21, 1986, p. 34.
  41. ↑ "THE TICKER - CHICAGO." *Chicago Sun-Times*. September 25, 1995, p. 44.
  42. ↑ Veverka, Mark. "Warehouse Club pins hopes on city foray." *Crain's Chicago Business*. April 11, 1994, p. 37.
  43. ↑ Podmolik, Mary Ellen. "Warehouse Club Opens 10th Outlet." *Chicago Sun-Times*. March 18, 1994, p. 56.
  44. ↑ "Another Wholesale Club Sets Sights on Suburbia." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. July 26, 1987, p. 11.
  45. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens in Niles." *Chicago Tribune*. December 29, 1983, p. 9.
  46. ↑ "Niles discounter takes space." *Chicago Tribune*. December 1, 1985, p. m2B.
  47. ↑ "Warehouse Club Expands in Michigan." *Detroit Free Press*. May 22, 1985, p. 12.
  48. ↑ "Hazel Park: Vacant building to meet wrecking ball." *Detroit Free Press*. May 31, 2009, p. A.10.
  49. ↑ "Warehouse Club: A Growing Presence in Michigan." *Detroit Free Press*. July 15, 1985, p. 14.
  50. ↑ Chanil, Debra. "Wholesale clubs: Pause for reflection." *Discount Merchandiser*. November 1993.
  51. ↑ "Former Warehouse Club to House Bureau's Wares." *The Columbus Dispatch*.
  52. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens in Dayton with Automotive Center." *Dayton Daily News*. February 10, 1985, p. 8.
  53. ↑ Chanil, Debra. "Wholesale clubs: Pause for reflection." *Discount Merchandiser*. November 1993.
  54. ↑ D'Angelo, Lori. "Another Destinta Mega-Plex Set to Open." *Pittsburgh Post-Gazette*. August 12, 1999, p. D-2.
  55. ↑ Wempa, Marilyn K. "Bigger is Better for Everyone at North Versailles Flea Mart." *Pittsburgh Post-Gazette*. February 28, 1997. Accessed August 18, 2024.
  56. ↑ Weiskind, Ron. "North Versailles Megaplex Cinemas to Open in May." *Pittsburgh Post-Gazette*. December 21, 1998. Accessed August 18, 2024.
  57. ↑ Murphy, H. Lee. "Next retail battlefield: warehouse clubs." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 9, 1990.
  58. ↑ Murphy, H. Lee. "Next retail battlefield: warehouse clubs." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 9, 1990.
  59. ↑ "Elk Grove Industrial Park Plans Halted." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. February 16, 1983, p. 23.
  60. ↑ Murphy, H. Lee. "Next retail battlefield: warehouse clubs." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 9, 1990.
  61. ↑ Bodwin, Amy. "Home Depot May Not Open Detroit Stores." *Crain's Detroit Business*. February 3, 1986, p. 1.
  62. ↑ "Elk Grove Industrial Park Plans Halted." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. February 16, 1983, p. 23.
  63. ↑ "Another Wholesale Club Sets Sights on Suburbia." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. July 26, 1987, p. 11.
  64. ↑ "Warehouse Club Pins Hopes on City Foray." *Crain's Chicago Business*. April 11, 1994.
  65. ↑ "Teninga Leads New Warehouse Club." *Chicago Tribune*. April 4, 1983.
  66. ↑ Murphy, H. Lee. "Next Retail Battlefield: Warehouse Clubs." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 9, 1990.
  67. ↑ Waldstein, Peter D. "Warehouse store roster grows, but shakeout looms." *Crain's Chicago Business*. June 29, 1987.
  68. ↑ Goff, Lisa. "Retail pro tapped as Warehouse Club prexy." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 21, 1986.
  69. ↑ Scott, Chris. "Teninga resigns posts at Warehouse Club." *Crain's Chicago Business*. July 29, 1991.
  70. ↑ "Warehouse Club Struggles Under New Leadership." *The Wall Street Journal*. December 24, 1990.
  71. ↑ "Warehouse Club Opens in Niles." *Chicago Tribune*. December 29, 1983.
  72. ↑ "Warehouse Club Relocates Headquarters to Skokie." *Chicago Tribune*. July 15, 1985.
  73. ↑ "Warehouse Club Financial Struggles." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. February 10, 1989.
  74. ↑ "A&P Makes Offer for Warehouse Club." *Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago*. November 8, 1990, p. 251.
  75. ↑ "Business Brief -- Warehouse Club Inc.: Accord to Sell 51% Stake To A&P Chain Is Ended." *The Wall Street Journal*. December 24, 1990.
  76. ↑ "Warehouse Club Pins Hopes on City Foray." *Crain's Chicago Business*. April 11, 1994.
  77. ↑ "Warehouse Club Faces Stiff Competition from Sam's Club." *The Wall Street Journal*. April 15, 1989.
  78. ↑ "Costco's Dominance in the Warehouse Retail Sector." *Los Angeles Times*. July 10, 1987.
  79. ↑ "The Influence of Price Club on Warehouse Club." *Chicago Tribune*. December 12, 1986.
  80. ↑ "Warehouse Retail Market Dynamics in the 1980s and 1990s." *Retail Industry Analysis*. March 1988.
  81. ↑ "Challenges in Competing with Larger Warehouse Chains." *The Wall Street Journal*. May 20, 1990.
  82. ↑ "Warehouse Club Pins Hopes on City Foray." *Crain's Chicago Business*. April 11, 1994.
  83. ↑ "Warehouse Club's Influence on Retail." *Retail Weekly*. March 12, 1995.
  84. ↑ "The Fate of Warehouse Club Locations." *Chicago Business*. December 15, 1994.
  85. ↑ "Warehouse Club: A Pioneering Retailer." *Retail History Journal*. February 10, 1995.
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