Jan. 16--GULFPORT -- Twenty years after the original Sam's Club came to Gulfport, a new, larger green store is set to open next week.

The new store is north of Interstate 10 off U.S. 49 at Landon Road, opposite Crossroads Shopping Center. It is 23,000 square feet larger than the original that opened on Creosote Road in 1988, has about 10 new employees and a gas station that is already open and on Thursday was selling gas for 12 cents below nearby stations.

Yet the biggest changes are the least noticeable to the public. Overhead, the ceiling is covered with skylights and fluorescent lights that dim on sunny days to save energy and automatically brighten at night. Under foot is concrete made with recycled materials that don't require harsh chemicals to clean.

Manager Gordon Mingus said it's the policy of Wal-Mart organizations to be more energy-conscious and Sam's Club also helps customers to go green with home energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, low-flush toilets and environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

A grand opening celebration Thursday at 10 a.m. will feature product samples, costumed characters for the kids and unexpected merchandise. Mingus suggests those who don't want to wait in line for a membership card should visit the Creosote store before opening day to avoid lines.

"You have to be a member to shop here," he said. Customers also can get a one-day pass and pay a 10 percent surcharge. "You can come in and use the pharmacy without being a member," he said, and like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club offers $4 generic drugs.

There are now about 70,000 Sam's Club members served by the Gulfport store in the region that extends from Bay St. Louis to Wiggins to near Pascagoula. Members can use their cards at any location and can shop for computers and electronics, groceries, jewelry, software, exercise equipment, furniture and clothing.

When it first opened, Sam's Club had only business memberships, and the company still caters to small businesses by opening from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday for businesses ahead of the rest of the membership. With the company's Fax and Pull or Click and Pull services, members can order a day ahead and pick up their order at the store, using the new weatherproof loading area.

An annual membership costs $35 for small businesses, $40 for individuals and $100 for a card that gives additional services including travel and road service.

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