BJ's Wholesale Club coming to Lady Lake

[Goldwingnut]

BJ's Wholesale Club is planning on opening a new location in Lady Lake, next to Lowe's. This will finally give Sam's Club some much needed competition. Based on my trip to Lowe's yesterday, it appears that site work is already starting.

I know, now here comes the "I want a Cosco...", "I want a Trader Joe's...", "I want a (insert your favorite store name from the place you left to come to here)...". Bottom line is that these other stores will come to this area if they feel they can make a profit (there's that evil word again) and if the area fits their target market demographic.

The attached pictures show the new location (these are from the permitting).

[thelegges]

Awww you just took the guesstimating away from 50 people, who were hoping for something else. Their hopes, and dreams dash away.. .:coolsmiley:

[Karadad]

good news. BJ's better than no Cosco!!!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm not all too happy about that. Traffic coming up from 441 to that road is already increased, and dangerous, for golf carts coming up behind Wawa's and taking a left to get toward the drive that cuts between Lowe's and Cracker Barrel. It increased once they started opening up the apartments in the back of that photo for occupancy this past year. We just may find ourselves blocked from Lowes and all points north of it, including Taki's, the car wash, Aldi's, Walmart, Beall's, and a whole bunch of medical offices on that side of that road.

I really hope they consider some kind of accommodation for golf carts OTHER than simply trying to stay alive crossing the street there, as is, with new traffic. Either a bridge, or a traffic light, or a bypass that goes back around BEHIND the new BJ's property and comes out BEHIND Lowe's, where car traffic is already at a significant minimum.

I love that there'll be a BJ's. I'm just concerned about traffic in that spot,.

[champion6]

Shoot! I was hoping it would locate in Trailwinds Village next to Publix.

[Bjeanj]

I’ve never been to a BJ’s. Can someone talk about what it’s like, especially in comparison to Sam’s?

[EdFNJ]

I’ve never been to a BJ’s. Can someone talk about what it’s like, especially in comparison to Sam’s?
I always liked BJ's. BJ's has a lot more "name brand" stuff (at least it did back in NJ 3yrs ago). I liked it better than Sam's but not as much as Costco. Yea, wish it weas in Trailwinds rather then 441 which is a PITA.

[dewilson58]

Thanks for Info.

[JoMar]

Shoot! I was hoping it would locate in Trailwinds Village next to Publix.

Reserving that for Costco and Trader Joes :jester::jester::jester:

[graciegirl]

BJs.com - BJ's Wholesale Club (https://www.bjs.com/)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I got that freebee membership to Sam's a couple weeks ago (pay $45, get a $45 credit on your membership card). Used it to look around, see what they have, buy $45 worth of whatever. Their cat food/litter section is TINY, and they didn't have any unscented clumping litter at a reasonable price (I'm not fussy about brands). BJ's has the entire side of an aisle dedicated to cat food, cat litter, and accessories.

They had some interesting things in the center-store area (clothing/books/furnishings, etc). Their meat and prepared fresh foods department looked pretty awesome.

I'm not decided on which I like better - I'm used to BJs, but trying to keep an open mind about Sam's.

[Pinball wizard]

I especially like BJ's deli department. Sliced deli at great prices and very good quality.

[UpNorth]

I’ve never been to a BJ’s. Can someone talk about what it’s like, especially in comparison to Sam’s?

IMO, BJ's is a poor third to Costco and Sam's Club. Nothing beats Costco for quality and price. I've taken many "free" trial memberships at BJ's over the years, and never bought much there when a Costco was nearby. You have to ask yourself why BJ's keeps sending out "free" 3-month trial memberships every year when Costco never has. The answer is - Costco doesn't have to. Take the "free" BJ's trial, then take a trip to Costco to see the difference for yourself.

[stan the man]

Now that Sams and BJs are here Costco will never come

[thelegges]

Now that Sams and BJs are here Costco will never come

In MI we have all three on the same road, within 10 miles. Got a BJ’s free membership, most of the items we shop for were more $. Only thing that looked interesting was the deli, but who buys that much processed meat.

[Sweatman]

We were BJ’s members some years ago and preferred them to Sam’s at that time. We prefer Costco to Sam’s now so will definitely check out the new BJ’s. Thanks for letting us know they are building. Oh, and yes we wish can only hope that one day Costco will arrive.

[SugarBear]

If I had known that 2 months ago, we wouldn’t be moving to Sarasota.
Just kidding.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I especially like BJ's deli department. Sliced deli at great prices and very good quality. as good quality deli processed deli

[Garywt]

BJ’s by golf cart sounds great. I like BJ’s better than Costco and Sam’s. I know they are all similar but have been a member of BJ’s for about 30 years. Anytime something good is built within golf cart range is a good thing.

[davem4616]

glad to hear this....we travel to Clermont once a month to shop at BJ's. We always shopped at BJ's when we lived up north

have always liked their meats and the portion sizes

[Northerner52]

According to multiple Wesley Chapel Costco employees the firm is looking for land between Ocala and The Villages and closer to here. Now that Sams and BJs are here Costco will never come

[Northerner52]

Haven't been to one in years in Massachusetts but it had smaller quantities and larger selection of items.

[Girlcopper]

I'm not all too happy about that. Traffic coming up from 441 to that road is already increased, and dangerous, for golf carts coming up behind Wawa's and taking a left to get toward the drive that cuts between Lowe's and Cracker Barrel. It increased once they started opening up the apartments in the back of that photo for occupancy this past year. We just may find ourselves blocked from Lowes and all points north of it, including Taki's, the car wash, Aldi's, Walmart, Beall's, and a whole bunch of medical offices on that side of that road.

I really hope they consider some kind of accommodation for golf carts OTHER than simply trying to stay alive crossing the street there, as is, with new traffic. Either a bridge, or a traffic light, or a bypass that goes back around BEHIND the new BJ's property and comes out BEHIND Lowe's, where car traffic is already at a significant minimum.

I love that there'll be a BJ's. I'm just concerned about traffic in that spot,.
There wont be accomodations for golf carts and expect more traffic in the future as businesses are built. Golf carts are great but with the area expanding, they wont be feasible in all areas anymore. We are not a one horse town. We are a growing and expanding community. Bottom line. A car is needed for certain areas. Golf carts wont be given priority and if thats the reason many moved here, well.......time to relocate to a midwest town with 1000 people in each little town

[westernrider75]

I haven’t shopped in a BJ’s in a few years because we don’t have one close back in PA, but at that time they accepted coupons and had better brands than Sam’s.

[B-flat]

glad to hear this....we travel to Clermont once a month to shop at BJ's. We always shopped at BJ's when we lived up north

have always liked their meats and the portion sizes

Ditto!

We occasionally head to BJs in Clermont and shop the one near us when up north. I find BJs to be very similar to Sam's but the BJs store seem better kept/cleaner and that's probably because both BJs we shop at are newer. If nothing else a BJs here will have be good competition for Sam's.

[FromNY]

BJs takes coupons. Prices are same or close to Sam's. Costco has best choice in meats. BJs paper products I feel are better . Check out the web sites of both. To me the coupons and savings make the difference. Nice to have choices.

[diva1]

glad to hear this....we travel to Clermont once a month to shop at BJ's. We always shopped at BJ's when we lived up north

have always liked their meats and the portion sizes

Us too. They have the best oatmeal raisin cookies EVER. And they take coupons.

[johnnascar]

The name of store sounds offensive

[Sweatman]

From Wikipedia: The company was started by discount department store chain Zayre in 1984, on the Medford/Malden border in Massachusetts. The company's name was derived from the initials of Beverly Jean Weich, the daughter of Mervyn Weich, the president of the new company.

[Susan1234]

Love BJ’s product selection and quality....so happy they will be near buy. It’s a long ride to Clearmont..

[M2inOR]

What is this "Cosco" a few are always mentioning?

Cosco is a shipping company in China.

Costco is a store we really want.

There's no port close enough to The Villages that's convenient.

I'm sure there are a few items at Costco, Sam's, and BJ's that arrive in the US via Cisco's ships, though.

😉😁

[DianneLoneWolf]

I’ve never been to a BJ’s. Can someone talk about what it’s like, especially in comparison to Sam’s?

This is amazing news! Sams club is so dismal that we seldom use it opting instead for the 45 minute drive down to Leesburg
BJs is full of the things that we, at least, like and is well stocked and friendly
No matter it will be a welcome addition for us all

[cmj1210]

I’ve never been to a BJ’s. Can someone talk about what it’s like, especially in comparison to Sam’s?

I have always liked BJ’s. They were never as crowded as Costco. They also have an express line which is great if you are running in for a couple of things. I also like Sams. Costco was always good but I don’t understand the hype over the other clubs and were always so much more crowded than the other two.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Back where I lived in Massachusetts we had a Costco and BJ's right across a highway from each other. They both did very well.

What people need to realize is that not all BJ's, Costcos and Sam's Club are the same. Some are larger than others depending on the population that they serve and their location. Because The Villages is located far from a major highway our Sam's Club is small. It wouldn't surprise me to see this new BJ's as one of their smaller stores as well.

It will be nice to have a choice and it will be great to be able to get there by golf cart. I'll definitely check it out. Competition is good.

[B-flat]

The name of store sounds offensive

Yea if you’re mind is in the gutter. :1rotfl: BJs labels their private label as Berkeley and Jensen.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I'm not all too happy about that. Traffic coming up from 441 to that road is already increased, and dangerous, for golf carts coming up behind Wawa's and taking a left to get toward the drive that cuts between Lowe's and Cracker Barrel. It increased once they started opening up the apartments in the back of that photo for occupancy this past year. We just may find ourselves blocked from Lowes and all points north of it, including Taki's, the car wash, Aldi's, Walmart, Beall's, and a whole bunch of medical offices on that side of that road.

I really hope they consider some kind of accommodation for golf carts OTHER than simply trying to stay alive crossing the street there, as is, with new traffic. Either a bridge, or a traffic light, or a bypass that goes back around BEHIND the new BJ's property and comes out BEHIND Lowe's, where car traffic is already at a significant minimum.

I love that there'll be a BJ's. I'm just concerned about traffic in that spot,.

I take that route all the time and I don't see it as dangerous at all. I've never felt that I'm just trying to stay alive. It's a simple intersection.

Looking at the photo and the site, it looks like there will either be another way into BJ-s or you'll have to take right where you take a left to get to the road that runs behind Cracker Barrel.

I honestly don't see a problem.

[Carla B]

This is amazing news! Sams club is so dismal that we seldom use it opting instead for the 45 minute drive down to Leesburg
BJs is full of the things that we, at least, like and is well stocked and friendly
No matter it will be a welcome addition for us all

What's in Leesburg?

[merrymini]

Honestly, can they build something like that nearer to the Brownwood area instead of next door to Sam’s? I am sick and tired of having to go up there with all that traffic!

[xlhig]

I think they meant the BJ's in Clermont

[stan the man]

When it becomes easy to get on and off Rt 75 and Turnpike maybe Costco will consider. Much to the dismay of many villages, it is not the center of the universe.

[willbush]

We use BJ's in Massena NY each summer when we go to our private family campground Waddington, NY on Canadian border as they give us a 3 months free card to shop there; we like the store; only 15 miles from our family campground;most of these stores are all the same;while in the military we have use most as each area has one or the other (Price Club, Sam's. Cosco & more).

[Gecklers2020]

We just moved up from Ft Myers where all 2 big box stores were. We like BJs best. Great seafood, deli prices better than Walmart!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I take that route all the time and I don't see it as dangerous at all. I've never felt that I'm just trying to stay alive. It's a simple intersection.

Looking at the photo and the site, it looks like there will either be another way into BJ-s or you'll have to take right where you take a left to get to the road that runs behind Cracker Barrel.

I honestly don't see a problem.

I take it all the time too (I live around 8 blocks from the gate into that back road).

Don't forget though that big apartment complex behind Lowes's isn't even at 1/4 occupancy yet. There are 120 apartments for rent at the moment, and 100 of them are 2-bedroom - so assuming double occupancy on those, that's another 200 people living in that back complex. Up to an additional 200 people travelling at any given moment up and down that road along the side of Lowe's, where the road behind Wawa's ends. It's listed as "pet friendly" so assume some of them will be walking their dogs.

I also see there is definitely a golf cart path across from that back entrance to Lowes, but I'm not sure where it will come out on the other side once it's finished. I just know there's a sign there that says "Golf carts only." Currently I don't think it goes anywhere.

[donfey]

Thanks for the info, as always. You're a great news source.

[Aloha]

I will be glad to dump my membership at Sam's Club. Looking forward to BJ's.

[Garywt]

Honestly, can they build something like that nearer to the Brownwood area instead of next door to Sam’s? I am sick and tired of having to go up there with all that traffic!

No traffic up there if you go by golf cart. It is very easy and a nice drive.

[diamond2005]

Does not even compare. When it first opens, it will be really nice
and then, give it 6 months.

[Dilligas]

I have always liked BJ’s. They were never as crowded as Costco. They also have an express line which is great if you are running in for a couple of things. I also like Sams. Costco was always good but I don’t understand the hype over the other clubs and were always so much more crowded than the other two.
You answered your own questions....less people in BJ's than in Sams & Costco, and more people in Costco than BJ's and Sams.
People and volume determine the quality and locations of retail.

[Bogie Shooter]

Honestly, can they build something like that nearer to the Brownwood area instead of next door to Sam’s? I am sick and tired of having to go up there with all that traffic!

:1rotfl::ohdear:
Back in 2002 when we arrived.....had to go to Ocala for Sam's & HD. Now that's something to complain about.

BTW who is the "they" you are referring to?

[graciegirl]

:1rotfl::ohdear:
Back in 2002 when we arrived.....had to go to Ocala for Sam's & HD. Now that's something to complain about.

BTW who is the "they" you are referring to?

Well said, Bogie Shooter.

[pharmguy]

My wife and I have been driving to Clermont to the BJ's there. We used BJ's when we were up north and liked their products. We liked the Clermont BJ's as they had good meat, cheese, dried fruit, and most things that you see in these stores. It was much cleaner than Sam's and it didn't have that narrow exit area that gives us the heewbie jeebies in Sams. In a crowded store getting out in a hurry could be a problem. I looked around for emergency exits and they probably have them but I couldn't see them.

[Joan A. K]

We just bought a home here at TV,'s and are grateful for all the knowledge shared on this sight!

[Goldwingnut]

Honestly, can they build something like that nearer to the Brownwood area instead of next door to Sam’s? I am sick and tired of having to go up there with all that traffic!

Who is "they"? The "they" in this case is BJ's Wholesale Club and "they" made the decision on where "they" wanted to locate the store, not The Villages, not the district, not the residents, but the store owners.

[Bertram00]

From Wikipedia: The company was started by discount department store chain Zayre in 1984, on the Medford/Malden border in Massachusetts. The company's name was derived from the initials of Beverly Jean Weich, the daughter of Mervyn Weich, the president of the new company.

Way back then I was a member at that original store. Was great at the time.

[mlmarr1]

Will you do a drone video...

[Goldwingnut]

Will you do a drone video...

I'll get some footage when they start work and every few weeks after. Like most construction it will be pretty boring.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

From Wikipedia: The company was started by discount department store chain Zayre in 1984, on the Medford/Malden border in Massachusetts. The company's name was derived from the initials of Beverly Jean Weich, the daughter of Mervyn Weich, the president of the new company.

I remember Zayre. We had one in my home town. I never knew that they became BJ's.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I take it all the time too (I live around 8 blocks from the gate into that back road).

Don't forget though that big apartment complex behind Lowes's isn't even at 1/4 occupancy yet. There are 120 apartments for rent at the moment, and 100 of them are 2-bedroom - so assuming double occupancy on those, that's another 200 people living in that back complex. Up to an additional 200 people travelling at any given moment up and down that road along the side of Lowe's, where the road behind Wawa's ends. It's listed as "pet friendly" so assume some of them will be walking their dogs.

I also see there is definitely a golf cart path across from that back entrance to Lowes, but I'm not sure where it will come out on the other side once it's finished. I just know there's a sign there that says "Golf carts only." Currently I don't think it goes anywhere.

I don't know where that cart path goes, but I've seen carts coming out of there. I wonder if it's a back way into Stonecrest.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

No traffic up there if you go by golf cart. It is very easy and a nice drive.

You can't get to Sam's by golf cart.

[Pippo]

Based on my experience with BJ’s Wholesale in South Florida, this will be a great addition to our community. I hope they are planning to include a gas station - great discount for members. They accept manufacturers coupons, which also can be combined with in store coupons.

[DellChurch]

There new stores built in the last 8-10 years in New England are incredible and 100% better than Costco or Sam's. If they are anything like the ones we shopped at in Massachusetts over the last 12 years you will be very impressed!

[CWGUY]

I'll get some footage when they start work and every few weeks after. Like most construction it will be pretty boring.

:ho: Sir, your videos are anything but boring. Look forward to seeing the progress as it happens. :coolsmiley:

[coffeebean]

I’ve never been to a BJ’s. Can someone talk about what it’s like, especially in comparison to Sam’s?

I've never been to a BJ's. Can someone talk about what it's like, especially in comparison to COSTCO.

[coffeebean]

IMO, BJ's is a poor third to Costco and Sam's Club. Nothing beats Costco for quality and price. I've taken many "free" trial memberships at BJ's over the years, and never bought much there when a Costco was nearby. You have to ask yourself why BJ's keeps sending out "free" 3-month trial memberships every year when Costco never has. The answer is - Costco doesn't have to. Take the "free" BJ's trial, then take a trip to Costco to see the difference for yourself.

My hopes for a Costco in this area are certainly dashed now. I wasn't looking for a Costo in The Villages but Ocala would have been nice.

[coffeebean]

BJ’s by golf cart sounds great. I like BJ’s better than Costco and Sam’s. I know they are all similar but have been a member of BJ’s for about 30 years. Anytime something good is built within golf cart range is a good thing.

Just wondering.....does BJ's blister pack pulled rotisserie chicken? Costco does this and it is awesome!

[coffeebean]

The name of store sounds offensive

Growing up on Long Island, we had a Bargain John's in our small town.

[coffeebean]

From Wikipedia: The company was started by discount department store chain Zayre in 1984, on the Medford/Malden border in Massachusetts. The company's name was derived from the initials of Beverly Jean Weich, the daughter of Mervyn Weich, the president of the new company.

I remember Zayre's.

[laryb]

I've never been to a BJ's. Can someone talk about what it's like, especially in comparison to COSTCO.I've been a BJ's member for many years, starting when they first opened stores in Mass. I prefer Costco, but since I don't have one here in TV, I'd gladly take a BJ's. Nothing wrong with Sam's, but I feel BJ's has a choice of products that suit us better.They have an excellent meat and produce dept, and their store brands are excellent. From what I've read, several years ago, they were falling behind Costco and Sam's in sales, so to differentiate themselves, they decide to cater more to families rather than businesses, with smaller quantities than the others. The stores look a little smaller to me, also. Prices are similar to the others. They always have great specials in their optical dept. The one thing they have is a really good deli. Yes, they have processed meats like every other deli, but they also have excellent pastrami, roast beef, ham, etc, and cheeses at prices usually much lower than Publix or Winn Dixie. I think that people from the northeast will find some things they're more familiar with. We shopped at the local BJ's for close to 20 years from when they opened, and it was as clean and as well maintained as the day it opened. So, basically, I guess you could call them the same but different.