topic Re: BJs and Costco in Kitchen

BJs and Costco

HonnyBrown — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 19:30:50 GMT

For those who have shopped at both places, which do you prefer?

I currently have a Costco membership and my Mom and Dad have BJs. Mom and I went to BJs on Tuesday. The prices were about the same as Costco (some higher, some lower), but I was impressed with the variety at BJs! They had items that Costco doesn't have and that I buy from the grocery store.

I'm basing this on 2 visits. What's your opinion?

Re: BJs and Costco

HonnyBrown — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 19:34:15 GMT

Costco is about 10 minutes away and around the corner from work.

BJs is about 15 minutes away on the freeway.

Re: BJs and Costco

beach-mom — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 19:41:36 GMT

You're lucky to have both places so near you! I'm a BJ's shopper because that's what's near us. But I have friends who shop at Costco (about 45 min.) because they have more time to get there. I've been there too. I hear the meat selection is better at Costco. BJ's used to have a great book section. It's smaller now, but it's still pretty good. When I went to Costco I was not impressed with theirs. I think both places have name brands in regular groceries, and both have great bakeries.

Re: BJs and Costco

HHC1 — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 19:45:47 GMT

I have seen several articles comparing Sam's, BJ's & Costco. Across the board, Costco reigns supreme. They are recognized for having the best selection, quality and pricing (including prescriptions). They also have the highest paid employees. If that wasn't enough, they are ranked the second best employer in the country.

They are second only to.... GOOGLE!

Re: BJs and Costco

Purplecow — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 19:49:24 GMT

I've had three memberships at once (BJ's, Sam's and Costco). Of the three, Costco is my least favorite so I dropped the membership.

When I was considering dropping my Costco membership, I called the local store to see when it would expire. The young lady on the phone was most unpleasant and acted like I was bothering her by calling. I made one last trip to use my membership and the sales clerk was more concerned with discussing her upcoming break time with her manager than assisting me with my purchase.

The selection in Costco's stores is very limited with the fewest number of products of the three warehouse clubs. They will have one brand of an item, so there are fewer options.

In fact, Costco's stores are designed without aisle signs on purpose, which makes customers walk up and down each aisle looking for tomato sauce, for example, or coffee. That guarantees customers will purchase items they did not intend to. After viewing some of these "tricks" Costco uses on a recent consumer documentary, I am a strong proponent of shopping where I am appreciated, and Costco is not one of them.

Costco increased their membership fee from $50 to $55 in one year. I can imagine they will go up to $60 or higher next time.

Re: BJs and Costco

viva923 — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 19:49:47 GMT

have all 3 places here.

we shop at Costco 90% of the time, sam's club the other 10% of the time. BJ's we don't patronize any longer. Here BJ's are not very selective in products, they are also more expensive.

Costco is the best in meats, and paper products and laundry products for me, sam's comes in close 2nd.

Re: BJs and Costco

PhatCat — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:04:07 GMT

I've had all three at one time or another and I have to say Costco is my favorite hands down. I currently have BJ's only because they are the only ones that sell already shelled pistachios that my DH loves, lol.

Re: BJs and Costco

Irshgrl31201 — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:15:58 GMT

I have been a member of Costco, Sams and BJ's. Costco is the favorite hands down. I actually don't know anyone who has had the chance to shop at all 3 and NOT pick Costco.

The quality of Costco products is just superior. Their prepared foods are the absolute best, the bakery is just out of this world for a grocery store bakery and I like their selection much better.

I also love their Kirklands brand too. I still belong to BJ's but IMO there is no contest.

Oh, they also have some great jewelry there too. I always stop by the jewelry counter on my way there. I got a beautiful 3 ct Tanzanite and white gold ring there a couple yrs ago and my jeweler always comments on what a great stone that is. He said they have some good quality jewelry for great prices.

Re: BJs and Costco

Jayjay — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:16:56 GMT

On 10/11/2014 FATCATinCT said:
I've had all three at one time or another and I have to say Costco is my favorite hands down. I currently have BJ's only because they are the only ones that sell already shelled pistachios that my DH loves, lol.

My Costco has the already shelled pistachios.....must vary from store to store, state to state! I purchased them once; very good but they have increased in price every time I see them. Maybe for the Christmas holidays I'll splurge again!

Re: BJs and Costco

HonnyBrown — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:17:00 GMT

justshoppin and everyone, thank you for your input and detail!

I get a discount on the memberships through work, so both are pretty cheap for me.

I can keep both memberships and use COSTCO for meats and paper goods, and BJs for everything else.

I was really impressed that BJs sold bagged kale. We go through that very quickly.

I also like the fact that I can use my debit card with no pin.

How are the BJs generics?

Re: BJs and Costco

Diamonds22 — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:17:22 GMT

On 10/11/2014 HHC1 said:
I have seen several articles comparing Sam's, BJ's & Costco. Across the board, Costco reigns supreme. They are recognized for having the best selection, quality and pricing (including prescriptions). They also have the highest paid employees. If that wasn't enough, they are ranked the second best employer in the country.

They are second only to.... GOOGLE!

Definitely COSTCO for so many reasons like many more products to select from, return policy & great employees to deal with. Also I get a rebate check every year for $250.00 & up with their Costco American Express card !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diamonds22

Re: BJs and Costco

chickenbutt — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:26:52 GMT

That BJ place is regional, so they don't have them where we are.

Like everybody else, Costco is our favorite between it and Sam's Club. That one is pretty much just a glorified Walmart so I would have never purchased meat or produce there. As for other stuff they had lesser brands and the prices went up every time I went, so I finally dropped it.

Costco has superior brands, excellent customer service, and the stores I've been were always clean and uncluttered (couldn't say the same for SC).

Re: BJs and Costco

Tigriss — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:27:52 GMT

I feel horrible that I only have Sam's some 75 miles away!

Re: BJs and Costco

bonnielu — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:33:00 GMT

No BJ's so cannot speak to it. We have Costco and Sams. Costco is the place to go for us. Good customer support and products that we like... of course they move them around so finding them is like a treasure hunt. Sams is fine, some products that we cannot get in Costco we go to Sams for.

Re: BJs and Costco

Alexa6352 — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:43:16 GMT

I live in Brooklyn New York..We just got a BJ's in our neighborhood. I can't see PAYING to be allowed to shop in any store. I refuse to fork over $55 to have the privilege to shop there. They have been sending flyers around giving any non members a free pass for 1 day...and in the fine print,when you get to the check out counter 15% will be added to your order..WHAT? is that really a free pass??? Anyway,I live in a place that we have SPECIALTY STORES that make FRESH FOOD...I have a PORK STORE and I have a SALUMERIA that makes Fresh Mozzerella...and other things. I have the owner of the Pork Store making me a Pork roast to my specifications..Why I would ever by MEAT in a Costco,BJ"s or any BIG STORE.. What I'm saying is that I guess to each his own..But for me.....NO WAY!

Re: BJs and Costco

HonnyBrown — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:31:53 GMT

I noticed yesterday that BJs sells the razor blade refills that I like. 18 for $9. That's an awesome price! Costco doesn't carry them at all. They also don't sell ground chicken or kale.

Does anyone know if BJs sells frozen pepper and onion strips? That right there will seal the deal!

Re: BJs and Costco

millieshops — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:37:01 GMT

Costco - hand down.

I prefer their selection of the items I want to buy. I like the Kirkland brand for many items of food as well as household products, and I almost always add a bunch of flowers to my cart as I head or the cashiers.

Only problem - I love their yogurt twist with strawberry sauce and it has many calories. Not nice, Costco, to make us resist!

Re: BJs and Costco

gardenman — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:41:59 GMT

I've never been in Costco, but I've had both BJ's and Sam's memberships. Sam's everyday prices are typically a tick lower than BJ's, but not by a lot, but the BJ's coupons are fantastic and keep me going to BJ's over Sam's. BJ's coupons will typically save you twenty percent or more off of their regular low prices and they have new coupon books coming every month with lots of coupons.

BJ's store brand products (Berkeley and Jensen) are fantastic in everything I've tried. I've never found them lacking.

Both stores are about a quarter mile apart in Deptford, so there's no real logistical advantage to me one way or the other, but I've kept my BJ's membership and let Sam's go simply due to the BJ's coupons. Their coupons really can save you a lot.

Re: BJs and Costco

terrier3 — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:47:06 GMT

On 10/11/2014 Alexa6352 said:
I live in Brooklyn New York..We just got a BJ's in our neighborhood. I can't see PAYING to be allowed to shop in any store. I refuse to fork over $55 to have the privilege to shop there. They have been sending flyers around giving any non members a free pass for 1 day...and in the fine print,when you get to the check out counter 15% will be added to your order..WHAT? is that really a free pass??? Anyway,I live in a place that we have SPECIALTY STORES that make FRESH FOOD...I have a PORK STORE and I have a SALUMERIA that makes Fresh Mozzerella...and other things. I have the owner of the Pork Store making me a Pork roast to my specifications..Why I would ever by MEAT in a Costco,BJ"s or any BIG STORE.. What I'm saying is that I guess to each his own..But for me.....NO WAY!

I'm with you.

I would rather shop at small local stores any day. You can't beat the quality and the personal service.

Re: BJs and Costco

Pickwickpapers — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:50:47 GMT

We don't have BJ here but our Costco is better than Sam ' s for most things especially meats. We only have Kroger and Walmart grocery stores here and really no local butcher shops. During summer we have several farmer markets for veggies and fruit but not during the winter months.