Table of Contents
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — For more than 30 years, Sean Jackson, senior vice president of health and wellness and consumables at Sam’s Club, has made a mark in the retail industry through his dedication to quality, innovation and member-centric service. From his early days as a department store assistant buyer to his current role overseeing a range of Sam’s Club’s essential offerings, Jackson’s path is defined by his commitment to fostering strong relationships with team members and customers alike.
“It’s about more than just managing products and processes,” Jackson explained in a recent interview. “Leadership is about inspiring and empowering others. Building relationships and creating an environment where team members feel valued is crucial to delivering the exceptional service our members expect.”
Jackson’s journey in retail began somewhat serendipitously. Fresh out of school, he landed an assistant buyer role in a department store, quickly discovering the dynamic nature of the industry. He found the constant learning, the need to adapt and the cross-functional work involved in retail to be energizing — qualities that still resonate with him today. “That early exposure to the fast-paced, ever-evolving demands of retail was formative. It’s a business that demands agility and a willingness to learn every single day,” he said.
Jackson’s role has evolved significantly since joining Sam’s Club over 15 years ago. Now, as the executive leading the health and wellness and consumables divisions, he plays a critical part in shaping the member experience across several key categories. This includes managing the pharmacy, optical and hearing aid departments as well as consumables such as baby products, pet care and cleaning supplies. “Our goal is to provide best-in-class quality that exceeds expectations while delivering disruptive value,” he said.
A hallmark of Jackson’s tenure has been his focus on connecting Sam’s Club’s health and wellness services with members in a meaningful way. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Jackson’s team worked tirelessly to keep essential products stocked. “That period reinforced our commitment to serving our members and our communities,” he said. “We made sure they had access to the products they needed, and our efforts strengthened our relationships with them during a challenging time.”
Jackson is particularly proud of Sam’s Club’s pharmacy services, which have earned the J.D. Power Best Mass Merchandising Pharmacy award for nine consecutive years. “The pharmacy is a cornerstone of trust for our members,” he noted. “This recognition isn’t just a feather in our cap; it reflects our dedication to quality, reliability and compassionate care, which extends across all areas of our business.”
Operating within Sam’s Club’s limited-assortment model, Jackson focuses on selecting products that offer both value and quality. “You can’t have a compelling pharmacy offer without a strong over-the-counter selection,” he explained. By carefully curating products in health and wellness, as well as consumables, Jackson ensures that Sam’s Club meets the needs of a diverse membership base. “Our approach to health and wellness skews slightly higher in assortment, as it’s essential for building trust. Members need to know we have what they’re looking for when it comes to their health.”
One of Jackson’s notable achievements has been the success of the Member’s Mark brand, Sam’s Club’s private label. Developed with insights from Sam’s Club’s members, Member’s Mark items are crafted to deliver on both quality and value, fostering brand loyalty and setting the retailer apart. “Member’s Mark is an integral part of our identity,” Jackson said. “By listening to our members and designing products that meet their needs, we’re able to offer a curated selection that enhances the Sam’s Club experience.”
Jackson has also championed the use of technology to enhance convenience for Sam’s Club members. From same-day delivery to pharmacy products delivered to members’ homes, Sam’s Club has embraced a suite of digital tools to meet evolving consumer expectations. “Convenience is key,” Jackson emphasized. “Our members want options for how they interact with us, and providing best-in-class convenience, especially in health and wellness, helps us build stronger relationships and trust.”
The integration of technology aligns with broader trends in health and wellness, where consumers are increasingly proactive about their own health. “Our members have more information at their fingertips than ever before, and they’re using it,” Jackson explained. “They’re researching products and comparing options. By offering transparent, detailed product information, we empower them to make confident choices, which ultimately builds trust.”
Jackson is deeply committed to mentorship, a value instilled in him by influential mentors early in his career. “Understanding the difference between managing and leading has been pivotal for me,” he shared. “Management is about tasks and efficiency, while leadership is about inspiring others to contribute their best.”
His dedication to team development is a recurring theme in Jackson’s career, particularly in his role at Sam’s Club. “Strong teams are the backbone of any successful operation,” he said. Jackson is proud to see team members he has mentored rise through the ranks and achieve their goals. “Creating an environment where team members feel valued and motivated is essential. It’s not just about meeting business targets; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.”
Jackson’s goals for Sam’s Club’s health, wellness and consumables business focus on continuing to exceed member expectations. “We’re committed to delivering products and services that offer disruptive value,” he said. “Innovation and agility within our team are key to enhancing our offerings, and building lasting relationships with our members is always a top priority.”
The Sam’s Club culture, known for its commitment to members and collaborative work environment, has been a natural fit for Jackson. “It’s one of the most member-centric organizations I could imagine working for,” he said. “The focus on going above and beyond to exceed members’ expectations, while doing so with humility, has kept me here for over 15 years. It’s an environment where every day is an opportunity to make our members’ lives better.”
Jackson’s passion for service and innovation has not only shaped his career but also influenced Sam’s Club’s approach to retail. As he leads his teams in navigating the evolving landscape of health and wellness, he remains focused on one guiding principle: making a positive impact on members’ lives.
“Ultimately, our work in health and wellness plays a crucial role in building trust with our members,” Jackson concluded. “There’s nothing more important than ensuring the health and well-being of our members and their families, and I’m proud to be part of a team that puts them first every single day.” •
