Earlier this year, Best Life reported that BJ’s was coming for Costco’s coattails. The warehouse club showed several tricks it had up its sleeve, including the launch of its in-app ExpressPay function and the debut of its Grab & Go deli counter. And business is booming—BJ’s plans to open up to 30 new stores (including its first Texas location) by 2026. Now, BJ’s is ready to give rival Sam’s Club a run for its money, and it appears shoppers are more than willing to jump ship.
RELATED: BJ’s Is Coming for Costco: 4 Major Changes the Warehouse Is Making Right Now.
A Sam’s Club membership costs twice as much BJ’s.
The basic membership tier at Sam’s Club (aptly called “Club”) will run you $50 per year. It gets you members-only fuel savings, exclusive markdowns, and free curbside pickup with a $50 minimum.
Comparatively, BJ’s charges first-time members only $20 for a basic membership. Perks include same-day delivery, reduced gas prices, double the coupons (BJ’s and manufacturers’), up to 25 percent off sticker price, and free curbside pickup when you spend $50. (After your first year, The Club Card has a $60 annual renewal fee.)
“I signed up for BJ's when they opened here because of the deal they offered with new membership,” shared one Redditor.
“Biiiiiig BJ’s fan here,” added another.
“We went to BJ's for the first time the other day. Initial impression is great,” said one BJ’s member, who took advantage of the membership promotion.
RELATED: Sam's Club Announces Plans to Open New, Cashier-Less Stores.
When it comes to member-only gas stations, drivers would rather fuel up at BJ’s than Sam’s Club.
Both Sam’s Club and BJ’s have gas stations that are restricted to members. However, when it comes to price and convenience, shoppers say BJ’s is superior. “You can get [a tank of] propane filled for like 11 bucks,” noted one BJ’s member.
“The gas savings almost pays for the entire membership,” another BJ’s member pointed out.
Additionally, “you can earn discounts based on buying certain products in the store that are marked,” said a BJ’s shopper. They added, “I accidentally bought several things that qualified and got 50 cents off their already cheap price.”
Plus, BJ’s has can’t-miss deals on select auto parts, including tires. “I will say, when I priced out tires earlier this year for my truck, no one, including Sam’s, came within $200 of BJ’s price. What I saved more than covered my membership fees,” said a Redditor.
RELATED: Costco Announces Its Stance on Price Hikes Amid Increasing Tariffs.
Shoppers say BJ’s has better options, better prices, and more realistic quantities.
Shoppers are quick to say that BJ’s offers a better overall shopping experience because of its brand and product varieties and low prices. On top of that, BJ’s encourages customers to stack coupons—both from the manufacturer and those exclusive to BJ’s.
“BJ's, for me, is in between a traditional grocery store and a warehouse due to their quality and variety,” wrote one member. “Most of the savings you will want are via coupons which you can clip via the app.”
“Sometimes the coupons take the price below Costco's price,” chimed in another member.
“I like BJs because they sell name brand products,” offered a third.
“BJ's has decently priced beer and the patrons don't seem as insane as Sam's patrons,” reads another comment.
One Redditor, who said they are "not a Sam's guy," created this list of what makes BJ's the superior option:
- Way better produce
- Has herbs
- Much higher variety of common household brands
- Prairie Farms milk & pasture raised eggs that are ridiculously cheap.
- Has a Deli
- More Hispanic / Southern products
- Almost never packed
“Sam's membership will not be renewed,” said another Sam’s Club-turned-BJ’s member. “BJ's is closer than Costco for us, and the meat/dairy/frozen section seemed huge. We'll be going back for wings and other food for a party in a few weeks.”
“It's smaller than Sam's, but a lot of the stuff is bigger portions than [at a ] supermarket, but not giant like Sam's, where stuff goes bad before you use it,” noted a Redditor.
