By Marieanne Wilson of Chain Store Age

Annual membership fees at Sam's Club are about to cost consumers a little bit more...

The Walmart-owned warehouse club retailer will raise its annual fees this fall.  Beginning on Oct. 15, the fee will increase from $45 to $50 for club members and from $100 to $11o for members of its higher level "Plus" program, which offers extra perks such as free shipping.

It is the first time in nine years that Sam's Club has raised its annual entry-level membership fee and is the first hike in the "Plus" fee since the program was  introduced in 1999.  Costco Wholesale Corp., whose basic membership fee rings in at $60 and its higher-level Gold fee at $120,  last  increated its fee in 2017. 

In a letter to Sam's Club members, president and CEO Kath McLay, acknowledged the inflation pressures that shoppers face, saying: "We are mindful of the financial pressure on wallets right now."