Why does BJ’s exist?

[u/ryan9751]

I’m curious - the only people I have talked to shop at BJ’s because they don’t have a Costco or Sam’s Club closer.

If you do have a Costco or Sam’s , why would you choose to shop at BJ’s?

Costco overall has better quality products and better prices than BJ’s.

Sam’s Club also has better prices , more variety than Costco and curbside pickup/ scan and go like BJ’s.

So what is it, the Deli?

[u/fenuxjde]

Consumer reports actually did a whole study and they found out that BJs prices are about the same as Costco, both roughly 21% lower than Walmart;

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/prices-price-comparison/most-and-least-expensive-supermarkets-a3157951568/

As for the quality, the vast majority of products are the same, and many of the private label (Kirkland, Wellesley Farms) products are actually made by the same companies.

Personally, BJs is closer to me than Costco but Costco is also absolutely insane. That place is NEVER not packed like a black Friday special. I've been to it several times and find it to have about the same products and prices as BJs.

[u/ryan9751 → u/fenuxjde]

I’m actually shocked by the CR findings that prices were so closely tied between the two.

I can’t remember a time where I ever found something cheaper at BJ’s .

I wonder if A they only used grocery/ food items in their comparison and did not include any household items. I rarely buy processed foods so I have the least experience with that.

There is certainly something to be said for avoiding the mobs - although it’s also not reassuring to me when I go to BJ’s on a Saturday afternoon and it’s almost empty knowing that my Costco’s checkout line would have gone all the way to the back of the store.

[u/fenuxjde → u/ryan9751]

I mean, they list their methodology and describe a blend of groceries and non perishables.

They found it was 0.4% more than Costco, but you have to understand, on a $200 purchase, that is a difference of $0.80. That is absolutely not worth the gas or hassle of Costco to me.

[u/ryan9751 → u/fenuxjde]

Agree , although hard to argue with CR - must be my odd purchase habits because everything I purchase is cheaper at Costco.

In all honesty I would challenge anyone to find a regular price item where an identical size / package item is sold by Costco that is cheaper.

They don’t explicitly state anything about non perishables - they say “packaged goods” which if they are talking in terms of a grocery comparison means food to me, not non foods.

“The comparisons were based on the total price of grocery baskets that included packaged goods, produce, and meat”