BJ's question

[lowcountrygamecock]

We frequent Costco and also have a Sam's membership that we use occasionally. We're getting a BJ's soon. Anybody have feedback on BJ's and how it compares to Sam's or Costco?

 

[WaterRat]

I’ve had all three. All have their pros n cons. I think bjs usually has a 30day trial… And sometimes its just the local store thats better or worse

 

[cptnding]

We have a BJ's and Costco membership but not Sam's. I have been in Sam's a few times and would say that BJ's is similar. If I had to pick one it would be BJ's but your needs may be different. To me BJ's carries a much more standard product line compared to Costco. Costco seems to cater to the upper end. We mostly but regular staples in bulk to save money. Some of the fancier stuff at Costco is nice sometimes and lots of their Kirkland products are excellent. One thing that keeps me from giving up Costco is the meat department. It is far better than BJ's. I make a LOT of bacon in the winter and Costco reliably has skin off, trimmed bellies for reasonable. However we buy all of our chicken at BJ's and Costco does not sell bone in butts only boneless. Maybe it's me but I've tried both and prefer bone in butts. That said most of those we buy from Kroger when on sale. I've bought boneless ones at Costco for buckboard bacon and most look like they were deboned with a chainsaw. My knife skills suck but damn.
Other things I can think of:
Crowds: The crowds at Costco are insane at almost all times. I generally dread going there because of it. Parking is a pain, moving around the store is a pain, long lines at check out, and long lines to get the hell out of the place. I'm impatient so it's a big deal for me.
Employees: The caliber of employees at Costco is far better but you better have a lot of patience. See above lol. The customer service is stellar but here you're going to wait in a line out the door at almost any time of any day.
Gasoline: Both have great prices on gas compared to anywhere else around but again it's the crowds. I'll try and remember to take a photo of the line at the pumps at Costco next time I'm there. I'm a seriously cheap bastard but no way in hell I'm waiting in that line to save 2 or 3 dollars and BJ's is 3 minutes down the road. On top of that Costco does not take cash at the pumps. Apparently I'm one of the few people left in the country that still use regular folding money.
Deli: BJ's gets the edge here and it saves us lots of money. Costco does not have a deli. All deli meat and cheese is prepackaged. They have a stellar aged slice cheddar cheese but that's the only thing I ever buy. The prices on deli meat at BJ's are far better than the local Kroger ect.
Produce: I like BJ's better for this as well. Costco has pile of it but prices and quality don't seen that good to us.
I'm sure locations are different and the supply chain matters as well. I would say BJ's is worth checking out especially after they have had a few months to settle in. Then you can see which one fits you needs.
Costco certainly has it's merits but BJ's suits our needs a little better

 

[Fueling Around]

Costco is our only membership.
It is an 150 mile round trip here in Minnesota, but we stock up well and visit our daughter.
In Florida it is 30 mile round trip.
Gave up the Sam's. We don't buy enough here in MN or FL to justify.
We checked out a BJ's in Florida. I put that particular store on an even match with Florida Sam's.
In Florida we have access to a Costco Business Center. The meat selection is awesome.

 

[SmokinEdge]

We are getting costco 60 miles from us. Vs 150 miles. Kind of pumped. Hate Sam’s.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

Had Costco and Sam’s and let both go. Building a BJs here in town and looking forward to checking it out!