So I guess this question is for people who have been members at more than one of these stores. What is the difference between Costco and BJs? Is there a price/quality difference or are they about the same?
I have a Costco membership right now, but was wondering if maybe when it’s time to renew, I should look into other wholesalers.
Thanks!
I currently have a BJ's membership and go to the Columbia location--but I'm thinking about switching to another wholesale club.
Which one do you recommend for the HoCo area? Are the inventory and perks better at BJ's, Sam's or Costco--in this area?
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I've been a Costco member for about 10 years. I moved to an area where there's a Sam Club nearby. I'm looking for some feedback as to how they compare for shopping and deals, as I have never been in a Sam's Club.
For me, when I go to Costco, products sold there may be a little bit more pricey than BJ's. Costcos generally don't have deli departments (slicing deli meats at the counter, etc.) BJ's however seem to have a little more variety and cheaper. BJ's don't really have food courts around me unlike Costco and Sam's. BJ's does have a deli department where deli slicing is permitted. Sam's Club carries a couple of products that Costco doesn't have in stores.
What's your opinion about warehouse clubs?
My in-laws just got a membership for BJ's and added my wife and me to it. It doesn't make sense to me because the nearest BJ's is 1hr and 15 mins away, and they only drive to that city a few times a year.
All of us already have a Sam's Club membership and Sam's is only 10 minutes from us.
My question is, for those that have experience going to both, is it worth it for the drive? Have they got any advantage over Sam's Club such as better meat prices, or better deals/prices?
I personally don't have much interest, but the wife wants to make the trip just to "check it out." The idea of driving 3 hours, round trip, to go to a wholesale club sounds a little ridiculous when we've got one just a couple miles away from us.
Having never been to one, is it a waste of time and gas, or are there some unique advantages to going to BJ's would make it worth checking out?
Just curious on the pros and cons of each big warehouse store. What's the best option?
I’m trying to decide between a membership for one of the 3 of these. They’re all about the same distance from my house. What are the benefits of each and the cons? I know Sams is good for bulk shopping. Costco just moved in so I don’t know much about it. Which one do you like best? We’re a family of 2 adults and a picky toddler who eat home cooked meals most nights but like to grab easy things for breakfast and eat a lot of sandwiches for lunch. TIA
Edit: Thanks everyone. This weekend I’m going to try to window shop them all to see what works best for me. It looks like each one has pros and cons and it depends on your personal habits.
Hi I’m a female who lives alone without a car trying to figure out which option Is cheapest. ? I’m a gym person so most of my diet consists of protein bars, protein powder, chicken/meats, salmon, tilapia, tuna, & Greek yogurt eggs, brown rice, whole wheat pasta etc . Also a lot of veggies preferable precut veggies such as cubes of squash etc which would be the best option ? Also prefer something where I can order my body soap, shampoo, toiletries all in one type of thing
I've noticed that all of these places sell cheaper gas, which I need right now. Also which ones have the best bargains on food. Also what are the membership prices? I'm looking to join one but not sure which one to go with. Which one do you guys recommend?
Depends on what’s closest to you . Sam’s club is my jam . They have an app you can scan everything , pay and leave . Also works for their gas . I heart the Sam’s club . They screwed up my giant order , not only were they super nice about it . They fixed it , refunded me % 25 back and gave me a another fancy membership for a year . I was on the phone for maybe 5 min . They are just nice . The trick is , go 30 min before closing 😉 get in get out .
You want Costco.
Costco has the best stuff. You pay a little more, but the quality is way higher.
Sam's is the cheapest and they generally carry lower quality stuff.
BJ's is a pointless 3rd option that is kinda in the middle.
We’d like to get a membership at a wholesale store but are torn between which one we should choose. We may eventually use all three but for now we’d like to stick with one. What was it that made you choose Sam’s over the other stores?
Items we would likely buy are diapers, wipes, produce, household items we run through very quickly, possibly meats to divvy up and freeze.
Edit: Thank you everyone for all of your insight! It has been extremely helpful! We are getting a Sam’s membership! 🥳
I know this discussion is as old as this time, I was hoping to get a little more insight into my personal situation. I grew up with Costco, I love the vibe, the businesses practices and the almighty Kirkland Signature. I recently moved to North Carolina, just 2 of us, no pets and electric car so no need for gas until we get another car.
My nearest Costco is 30 minutes away and Mooresville NC
Sam’s Club has two locations within 15 minutes of me. Sam’s membership is also 50% off right now so $25 for the year.
Anybody have any insight, especially with these specific stores and or in a similar situation? Thanks!
Hi!
I'm getting a BJs annual membership deal for $20 instead of the typical $60. Has anyone tried BJs? For which products & services, is Costco better than BJs and vice-versa. I'm not sure if it's worth getting a BJs membership.
Which one is best? I have membership coupons for all.
Unpopular opinion from people who shop at Costco, but I don't see the difference. They are practically the same thing selling the same stuff. Honestly Sam's club is better for scan and go check out and better prices on most things. I don't see the appeal to Costco and why it's so great. Thoughts?
I currently have a BJ's membership and go to the Columbia location--but I'm thinking about switching to another wholesale club.
Which one do you recommend for the HoCo area? Are the inventory and perks better at BJ's, Sam's or Costco--in this area?
I’ve been a Costcomember for over 10 years now. The Costco location in Columbia is extremely extremely busy. I actually go to Owings Mills instead. If you have no loyalty, I would heavily consider Sam’s Club as your warehouse membership.
We have also been BJ’s members for a long time. Last year when our membership expired we were considering joining Costco instead, since all of our friends absolutely rave about it. We went to the Columbia location one Saturday to check out the offerings. That one visit convinced us - no way would we join Costco! The crowds and lines were absolutely insane, and the products we loved buying from BJ’s couldn’t be found at Costco.
We very happily renewed at BJ’s.
I have a member ship to both while I suss out which one is the better bargain. For those who may have also have a BJS membership, are there things that Costco carries for a better price/ quality than BJs? Trying to see if it’s worth it to have both, or should I just maintain one membership. (It’s just my husband and I. No kids. No pets.)
I am going to have to be more mindful of my budget and am considering a membership but wondering how wholesale prices have held up for you all during this time?
Hello! I want to join one of the large warehouse clubs, so I've been reading various reviews and comparisons of each online. It seems like Sams Club and Costco rank a bit better than BJs so far.
I'd love to hear anyone's personal opinions or experiences about Sams Club, Costco, or BJs in Richmond to help me decide.
Thanks for any input!
Costco is infinitely better to their employees than any other retail company, to my knowledge. Sam's Club is owned by the Waltons, so there's that. I think there's a BJ's by Regency, though I've never been in it.
In terms of product availability, I've always been pretty happy with Costco's fish/meat department over anything else. Also Kirkland brand EVERYTHING.
Thanks for all the responses! Definitely leaning towards Costco.
People seem to agree that Costco is more crowded than Sams, and I recall the NOVA Costco's being quite crowded all the time.
Does anyone happen to know how RVA Costco in the West End compares to NOVA in terms of crowds?
Edit: Whoops, West End not Short Pump.