Sam's Club(R) Adds Roses to Fair Trade Certified(TM) Products

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Romantics and fresh flower fans can now give or decorate with "green" roses that have been Fair Trade Certified(TM) and are available online at samsclub.com. While the classic rose colors are available, including red and pink for love, white for virtue and yellow for friendship, these roses are grown with special gratitude and love because farm employees benefit from Fair Trade standards that put proceeds back into (local/their) schools, medical services and housing.

"Sam's Club is a significant partner in our effort to expand the availability of Fair Trade Certified flowers to American consumers," explained Paul Rice, CEO of TransFair USA, the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States.

Unlike many flowers that may be delivered through a distribution center, Fair Trade Certified flowers ship directly from the farm. Direct shipping reduces stress on the flowers and reduces the number of miles each order travels, giving the roses more "vase" time.

"We are pleased to bring Fair Trade Certified Roses to our Members as a new tradition for their celebrations and we are confident the quality and value will add to the experience of giving or receiving a bouquet," said Scott Williams, Vice President of samsclub.com. "This complements our existing online and in-Club floral products as well as our sustainability efforts."

Sam's Club Fair Trade Certified roses are provided by InBloom Group, a Miami-based company that represents Fair Trade rose farms in Ecuador. "On top of wages, we give back 12 percent of our costs to an employee fund that our workers may use for education, medical care, housing or other needs. Earning the Fair Trade premium has turned our employees into partners, and growing roses into an act of love for all of us," explains Alina Alvarez Alzugaray, InBloom Group CEO.

Consumers and florists may purchase one dozen Fair Trade Certified(TM) roses at samsclub.com for $64.44 for premium red and $60.72 for all other colors, which includes shipping. Prices may vary within a $5 range based on seasonal variations. Valentine's Day orders for Sam's Club Fair Trade Certified roses must be made on or before February 9 for February 14 delivery and are limited to the continental United States. *A Sam's Club Membership is required to purchase online; annual Membership fees start at $35 for businesses and $40 for individuals.

Sam's Club carries Fair Trade Certified coffee both in-Club and online under its own private label Member's Mark(R) and also offers Fair Trade Certified Member's Mark Black Tea by Bigelow(R).

Fair Trade Certified Flower Requirements -- Reduced water and energy use -- Protected watersheds and wildlife habitats -- 13 weeks paid maternity leave for women workers -- Childcare and schooling for children -- Protective gear and training for staff -- Between 8-12% of flower costs invested by supplier into farm community development fund -- Training for development projects Source: TransFair USA http://www.fairtradecertified.org/ About Sam's Club

Sam's Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., . The first Sam's Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Okla., in 1983. Today, Sam's Club serves more than 47 million U.S. Members with locations nationwide, and in Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sam's Club offers exceptional values on merchandise and services for business owners and consumers. Online merchandise and Club information is available at samsclub.com.