HOW COMMODITY BOARDS CAN WIN IN CLUB RETAIL MEDIA
How Commodity Boards Can Win in Club Retail Media
At DIGITS, we know that working with commodity Boards like those representing pork, dairy, produce, or beef requires a different playbook than traditional CPG advertising. The funding is structured differently, the stakeholders are more nuanced, and the media activations must be laser-focused on impact and accountability.
When it comes to placing media through club retailers like Sam’s Club and Costco, things get even more interesting.
In this post, we’ll break down how club-based retail media networks (RMNs) operate, how Boards can best navigate them, and why DIGITS is uniquely equipped to help.
Highlight: The Club Retail Landscape: Sam’s Club vs. Costco
Both Sam’s Club and Costco offer unique advantages for brand storytelling and audience engagement, but they’re at different stages of RMN maturity.
Sam’s Club MAP (Member Access Platform)
- A mature and fast-evolving RMN that aligns closely with the broader Walmart ecosystem.
- Offers strong first-party member data for precise targeting.
- Expanding self-serve capabilities across CTV, off-site display (via The Trade Desk), and Sponsored Products.
- Unique in-store digital opportunities through Scan & Go displays.
- Best fit for Boards needing scale, fast execution, and clear measurement.
Costco Media Network
- A more emerging RMN, with a loyalty-first approach and less focus on ad revenue.
- Rich member data is a huge asset, but the platform is still in beta across on-site and in-store.
- Operates on a fully managed model today, using Yahoo DSP and Epsilon for off-site campaigns.
- Execution is slower and more manual. Ideal for brand equity plays, not short-turn self-service programs.
Working with Boards at Club Retailers
Boards want to drive demand, show results, and manage pooled-state or seasonal funding with clear transparency. That’s why RMN choice matters.
- Sam’s Club is more Board-ready today with efficient processes, self-serve tools, scalable media, and reasonable timelines.
- Costco is promising but not yet ideal for fast-turn Board programs. Lead time, creative approvals, and reporting still require more hands-on coordination.
DIGITS helps Boards navigate both, customizing strategies based on media goals, commodity dynamics, and activation timelines.
When Boards Should Use Top-Tier RMNs
For large campaigns or pooled funding across multiple states, we recommend sticking with the “Best and Better” tier of RMNs. Platforms like Sam’s Club MAP, Walmart Connect, Roundel, or Kroger Precision Marketing offer:
- Deep direct retailer support and partnership.
- Clear paths to closed-loop reporting.
- Strategic spend that aligns with Board KPIs like awareness, reach, and sales lift.
When It’s Time to Test Emerging Platforms
Costco and other early-stage RMNs are best for test-and-learn programs, small-scale brand building, or long-term strategic bets. They may not scale overnight, but the audience quality and loyalty data can be incredibly powerful.
Just know: the media workflow may feel more like 2015 than 2025. That’s where DIGITS comes in.
Why DIGITS?
We’ve worked with Boards across pork, dairy, and more to:
- Plan, launch, and manage omnichannel campaigns.
- Secure cost-efficient, high-impact placements inside and outside of club.
- Align media strategy with shopper behavior and Board priorities.
- Handle compliance, creative routing, reporting, and cross-team approvals.
In a landscape where club retailers are growing their media muscle and Boards are under pressure to show results, DIGITS is your expert partner to bring it all together.
Want to talk about your Board’s next campaign? Let’s connect.
Dave Glaza, Founder & CEO of DIGITS, remains committed to bringing digital capabilities to physical stores!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
