Sam's Club in Jamestown is one of 63 locations to be closed.

JAMESTOWN — Customers looking to do some bulk shopping at Sam’s Club were left scratching their heads Thursday when they were turned away by store personnel without explanation.

Signs posted on the store’s front doors and gas station said the 720 W. Fairmount Ave. location in West Ellicott would be closed for a day before reopening Friday at 10 a.m. A message on the store’s phone system also indicated the sudden closure, but did not give a reason.

However, rumors quickly spread on social media and later confirmed when reports broke of similar closings without warning at Sam’s Club locations across the country. The company later confirmed the Fairmount Avenue location would close Jan. 26.

Those hoping to do some weekday shopping were left out in the cold Thursday, despite temperatures well above 50 degrees.

“The closest one, I guess, is now in Erie (Pennsylvania). I’m not going to drive out there in the winter,” said Ruth Ives, a regular Sam’s Club customer. “At Christmastime, and every other week, I would get paper products and the rotisserie chicken. There are so many things I come in for.”

Susan Den, another frequent customer, said she drove from Lander, Pa., to shop at the West Ellicott location Thursday when she found the front doors locked. She said she just renewed her membership for herself and adult children.

“I used to come in once a week sometimes, or every other week,” Den said. “I used to get gas here. There isn’t any place to shop in Pennsylvania.”

Bill Southwell said he comes from Warren, Pa., do buy bulk candy at Sam’s Club, with peppermint patties a personal favorite.

“Can I live without (Sam’s Club)? Yes, I can,” Southwell said.