BJs Wholesale club vs Costco?

[VictoriaT]

Hello All

We are getting a BJs Wholesale Club near us, and have been Costco members for years. Is it worth it to try BJs? What do they offer that Costco does not?

Thank you for all your help!!

 

[DisneyRobin]

I have a membership to both but prefer Costco. Their food is better!

 

[coreynyc]

Ihave both and they both have pros and cons & I get different stuff at both. But if I had to pick one, I think BJ’s is better.

For instance, Costco only has their own diapers & Huggies. Bj’s had their own brand, Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs. Similar situations exist in every product category.

Costco often has packages so big, they only seem reasonable for the largest of families and/or those with tons of extra storage space. My boys like cottage cheese and Costco sells a huge tub that is practically a bucket while BJ’s has a tub that is a little bigger than the SuperMarket.

Bj’s has a deli, seems to carry more organic food on a regular basis, has better (longer) hours, and accepts coupons. I like Costco and they definitely have good items throughout the store but Bj’s is a little better to me.

 

[VictoriaT]

I guess I will give them a shot, I imagine you can always cancel if you are not satisfied. Thanks for your replies!

 

[Jimsig]

One thing about BJ's is that you can enter the store with out a membership so you can get an idea of what they have /prices etc. Last I knew Costco does not even allow you to enter with out a membership. In the past BJ's has offered a one day shopping passes, though they may tack on a fee if you buy anything.

 

[mbsquirrel1198]

I like BJs better - I have four kids and the lunch box snack selection is better. They have a deli so you can buy sliced meat and cheese. Their bakery is really good - great muffins and cakes. They have a good selection of clothes and they take coupons.

 

[_19disnA]

Costco often has packages so big, they only seem reasonable for the largest of families and/or those with tons of extra storage space.

I agree. Have been there a few times with others who have a membership. If you don't know your prices, you can be fooled into thinking something is a bargain. While some items are, others are not. A HUGE container of something isn't necessarily a bargain. The UNIT price is what matters. Buying a huge container is also no bargain if the product gets stale before you use it up. Sam's club is similar. There are no BJ's near where we live.

 

[mrsstats]

I use both. BJ's is just a mile from my house. I use them for eggs, cold cuts and items that are not bulk. Costco has the cooked chicken, better meats.

 

[pearlieq]

When we got a new BJs in our area they were offering very aggressive promotions like discounted membership, extended free trials, gift cards, and free-item coupons. It might not cost you anything to check it out!

 

[_19disnA]

Last I knew Costco does not even allow you to enter with out a membership.

That is still true. They have employes at the entrance who ask to see your Costco ID. However, you can go there with a friend/relative who has a Costco membership just to compare prices.

 

[amcnj]

Some clubs in the same chain I have been in have different items than others. I have seen some with liquor sections, more furniture, etc, as the size of the facility may differ, or they may cater offerings to the area. Thus it is hard to say what exactly one BJ’s or Costco may carry.

I would visit the Bjs, you can look around without a membership, and see if they have all the items you currently buy at Costco, and at a comparable price. Then check if there are other things you might buy there that Costco does not have, I see deli items mentioned frequently above.

The only other difference I can think of is that BJ’s accepts manufacturer’s coupons.

If you view them as equal, another factor might be if one is more convenient or easier to get to.

 

[amcnj]

One thing about BJ's is that you can enter the store with out a membership so you can get an idea of what they have /prices etc. Last I knew Costco does not even allow you to enter with out a membership. In the past BJ's has offered a one day shopping passes, though they may tack on a fee if you buy anything.

I know I asked about looking around in Costco as I was considering a membership and was permitted. Don’t know if that varies by store or who happens to be working that day though.

 

[only hope]

BJ’s will allow you to receive a full refund on your membership fee one time if you are not satisfied. There’s always special introductory membership prices before a new club opens. Watch out for mailers, newspaper ads, radio ads, etc promoting it. If you have a military id you get a discount on the membership fee. Non-members are allowed to get a non-member card to shop in store (no gas or online) that charges an extra 20%.

 

[Jimsig]

Non-members are allowed to get a non-member card to shop in store (no gas or online) that charges an extra 20%.

At my local BJ's gas station anyone can buy gas, you just pay more (.05/gal maybe) without a membership.

 

[amcnj]

At my local BJ's gas station anyone can buy gas, you just pay more (.05/gal maybe) without a membership.

In my state you can’t restrict who you sell gas to. I don’t know if that is why, but few BJ’s have gas stations. All the Costco stores I have seen do though.