BJ's ?

[Michael G.]

So the ones that went today, what'a think?

[Madelaine Amee]

We were in the area for a doctor visit and thought we would drop it, what a horror show. Parking lot was mobbed, cars coming out in a steady stream and could not get out of Lowes parking area to cross 441. Will be a while before we go back.

[Dr.Butler]

Agree. Was very crowded. I was able to get a spot, bought a few items I needed. I tend to find BJ's will have items Sam's wont and vice versa. BJ's gives a military discount on membership so they get me to renew annually that way :) The "scan and go" function of the BJ's app was malfunctioning today. They said it was due to a systemic issue from too many shoppers.

[rustyp]

Walked inside - almost got run over countless times in 5 minutes by mobility scooters. Wall to wall people. Large portion of the crowd pretending like they were the only ones there. Total rudeness not by the staff but by seniors. Then I realized what the "H" am I doing - this is a superspreader event. FYI - I was not impressed by the prices I observed in the short time I was there.

[photo1902]

Walked inside - almost got run over countless times in 5 minutes by mobility scooters. Wall to wall people. Large portion of the crowd pretending like they were the only ones there. Total rudeness not by the staff but by seniors. Then I realized what the "H" am I doing - this is a superspreader event. FYI - I was not impressed by the prices I observed in the short time I was there.

No offense, but I can't imagine anyone in their right mind going there on opening day.

[Bogie Shooter]

No offense, but I can't imagine anyone in their right mind going there on opening day.

My thought exactly!

[Stu from NYC]

Wife wanted to go but luckily my view prevailed for a change/

[logdog]

BJ's gives a military discount on membership so they get me to renew annually that way :)

Sam's Club also has a military discount - $10 gift card on renewals.

[npwalters]

I was there about 10. Crowded but not crazy. Basically the same as Sams. Higher on some stuff lower on others. Newer and better organized of course. More convenient for me because I can get there by golf cart in about 10 minutes.

[Nucky]

:1rotfl::1rotfl: First Day!!!! :1rotfl::1rotfl: For What?

I made almost $7000.00 collecting tolls at the gate. The gate motor was overheating today!

[rustyp]

No offense, but I can't imagine anyone in their right mind going there on opening day.

My thought exactly!

It was a very dumb thing to do but I did get an education:

1 Don't go to a venue on opening day
2 Is it our generation they call the "me" generation ? If it is I understand it now.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

No offense, but I can't imagine anyone in their right mind going there on opening day.

I'm a leftie, so I'm always in my right mind.

As such, I went today. I went mostly for the ceremony of being there for an opening of a store. Didn't buy anything, but wanted to see how it was set up. It's exactly the way the one I used to go to up north was set up, so I'm so glad about that! There was another one a town away that was slightly different, but this was an exact duplicate.

I'll have no problem finding things in the aisles.

Having gas at a lower cost is a nice savings, considering we have two golf carts, a car, and a pickup truck to feed every month or two.

I got the coupon book they gave us when we signed up for our $25/year membership. Combined with manufacturers' coupons and the gas savings and I'll recoup that $25 expense in the first three months.

I was actually thrilled to see that they carry Poland Springs water, since that's all I used to drink up north and Staples is the only other place around here that sells it. There's a coupon for that too, so I'll end up getting a case of 40 for less per bottle than I was paying for a case of 28 in Staples. Huzzah.

That, plus shampoo/conditioner (with coupons), random Berkley & Jensen products from time to time, and (if they carry it still, I didn't check) their unscented store brand kitty litter, is really all I ever buy there anyway.

But it's a fun store to poke around in, sometimes you find things you didn't realize you wanted til you see it. And sampling - is always a good thing!

[Michael G.]

Having gas at a lower cost is a nice savings, considering we have two golf carts, a car, and a pickup truck to feed every month or two.

I got the coupon book they gave us when we signed up for our $25/year membership. Combined with manufacturers' coupons and the gas savings and I'll recoup that $25 expense in the first three months.



You can save even more on gas if you get their charge card, that's how they get you.
Otherwise, without BJ's charge card, gas is cheaper at Sam's club.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You can save even more on gas if you get their charge card, that's how they get you.
Otherwise, without BJ's charge card, gas is cheaper at Sam's club.

I can't get gas for my golf carts at Sam's. BJ's is only 4 minutes from my house by cart or car.

Depending on traffic, Sam's is between 8-15 minutes away by car, and not accessible at all by golf cart.

I have a better deal with my own credit card, so I wouldn't get a BJ's card anyway.

[EdFNJ]

You can save even more on gas if you get their charge card, that's how they get you.
Otherwise, without BJ's charge card, gas is cheaper at Sam's club. I'd rather pay 20c/gallon more for gas than wait in line at Sam's (and I assume for BJ too). SAM's is insane with people jockeying for "position" and sides of the pump. Constant horns blowing. Is waiting in line for 20+ minutes worth saving $3 or $4 or $5? For ME, NO. I'm far from financially loaded but sometimes saving a few bucks just doesn't make much sense TO ME. Of course YMMV. I just have no patience for that or any lines for that matter.

[kaydee]

I happen to go around 1:00. Why you ask on opening day? Because I wanted to! Got a parking spot directly in front of the main entrance next to the golf cart only parking. Yes it was quite busy in the store however I managed to accomplish what I set out to do. I found every one who I encountered to be considerate and mindful to keeping the flow of shoppers moving along. The staff were extremely helpful & pleasant. Came time to cash out and I was directed to a cashier that had no one in line. So my going to BJ’s on opening day was very satisfying!

[coffeebean]

No offense, but I can't imagine anyone in their right mind going there on opening day.
We were there when BJs opened. Easy peasy in and out. We MUCH prefer Costco and will keep Sam's membership as out local warehouse due to them carrying items that BJs did not have.

Sorry, but won't be keeping BJs membership after it expires as we do not want three warehouse memberships. Two is enough. I hope BJs does well in the long run. I don't like to see any business fail. Just wish it were Costco that opened up in this location.

[coffeebean]

I'd rather pay 20c/gallon more for gas than wait in line at Sam's (and I assume for BJ too). SAM's is insane with people jockeying for "position" and sides of the pump. Constant horns blowing. Is waiting in line for 20+ minutes worth saving $3 or $4 or $5? For ME, NO. I'm far from financially loaded but sometimes saving a few bucks just doesn't make much sense TO ME. Of course YMMV. I just have no patience for that or any lines for that matter.

We gas up at Sam's all the time but have never heard one horn. Admit, sometimes there is a wait but it has never been more than five minutes. I guess we go at a good time and would never wait more than five minutes for gas anyway.

Well, there was one time when a woman yelled out of her window for my husband to "learn how to drive" when he politely and safely waited for the main road to clear before he "blocked the box" to get into the parking lot. She made me laugh out loud.

[MrFlorida]

When a new store opens, I won't go there for at least a month . Opening days are worse than black Friday used to be.

[EdFNJ]

We gas up at Sam's all the time but have never heard one horn. Admit, sometimes there is a wait but it has never been more than five minutes. I guess we go at a good time and would never wait more than five minutes for gas anyway.. You "never waited more than 5 minutes at SAMs gas" ?????????? I find that hard to believe. If there is only ONE CAR in front it takes more than 5 minutes to put in the 2 cards, fill on a low average of maybe 8 gals gallons gas and pay. We have never been there (especially recently with high gas prices) when there are at minimum 5 or 6 cars in each of the 4 (or 6?) lines. We are usually there mid-day which might not be the best time but still. If any gas station is totally empty it has to take more than 5 minutes for the entire process. Maybe time flies when you're having fun! :D

[Bogie Shooter]

It was a very dumb thing to do but I did get an education:

1 Don't go to a venue on opening day
2 Is it our generation they call the "me" generation ? If it is I understand it now.

Did you get a free mug?:1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

You "never waited more than 5 minutes at SAMs gas" ?????????? I find that hard to believe. If there is only ONE CAR in front it takes more than 5 minutes to put in the 2 cards, fill on a low average of maybe 8 gals gallons gas and pay. We have never been there (especially recently with high gas prices) when there are at minimum 5 or 6 cars in each of the 4 (or 6?) lines. We are usually there mid-day which might not be the best time but still. If any gas station is totally empty it has to take more than 5 minutes for the entire process. Maybe time flies when you're having fun! :D

Agree wait is usually more than 5 at least 10 minutes

[Madelaine Amee]

So, after reading through this thread, it is really all good. Good for Lady Lake to have the taxes, good for people to have more options to shop, good for Lowes will bring more people into their area, all good.

Now all we need is for Costco's to get their act together and find a piece of land and build their store, although they are leaving it a bit late!

Personally, I have been very surprised that their management has missed the boat on TV.

[tvbound]

I sure wish it were a Costco instead, but even then - I wouldn't fight the mobs on the first day. lol

[Michael G.]

When a new store opens, I won't go there for at least a month . Opening days are worse than black Friday used to be.

Good thing we still live in a country were we can make choices.

I agree with you, BUT if other people decide to go there on opening day, that's their decision and their decision only.

Image if one of our golf courses would offer free golf for one day, would you go then??

[photo1902]

Good thing we still live in a country were we can make choices.

I agree with you, BUT if other people decide to go there on opening day, that's their decision and their decision only.

Image if one of our golf courses would offer free golf for one day, would you go then??


"Image if one of our golf courses would offer free golf for one day, would you go then??"

You mean like Christmas Day at the Champ courses here? No!

[rustyp]

"Image if one of our golf courses would offer free golf for one day, would you go then??"

You mean like Christmas Day at the Champ courses here? No!

Here comes the carnage speeches.

[photo1902]

Here comes the carnage speeches.

So true!:popcorn:

[thelegges]

You "never waited more than 5 minutes at SAMs gas" ?????????? I find that hard to believe. If there is only ONE CAR in front it takes more than 5 minutes to put in the 2 cards, fill on a low average of maybe 8 gals gallons gas and pay. We have never been there (especially recently with high gas prices) when there are at minimum 5 or 6 cars in each of the 4 (or 6?) lines. We are usually there mid-day which might not be the best time but still. If any gas station is totally empty it has to take more than 5 minutes for the entire process. Maybe time flies when you're having fun! :D

Usually only one car in each lane when I get gas at Sams, about 30 minutes before they close, plus nobody in the store either

[Stu from NYC]

Went to BJ this morning.

Took a few minutes to convert our membership to a card. Store was crowded but people well behaved.

Store well layed out and obviously everything very fresh.

Employees very helpful especially in the deli.

We will continue going back and forth to Sams and BJ.

[MrFlorida]

Good thing we still live in a country were we can make choices.

I agree with you, BUT if other people decide to go there on opening day, that's their decision and their decision only.

Image if one of our golf courses would offer free golf for one day, would you go then??

Nope.

[UpNorth]

Crowds will die down once all the paid members go in and find out the BJ's isn't as good as Costco, or even Sams for that matter. Soon they will be giving away free 90-day trial memberships like they do everywhere else.

[npwalters]

like on Christmas day? Yes.

[Stu from NYC]

Crowds will die down once all the paid members go in and find out the BJ's isn't as good as Costco, or even Sams for that matter. Soon they will be giving away free 90-day trial memberships like they do everywhere else.

Perhaps but they have things that Sams does not and that should keep us coming back.

[coffeebean]

You "never waited more than 5 minutes at SAMs gas" ?????????? I find that hard to believe. If there is only ONE CAR in front it takes more than 5 minutes to put in the 2 cards, fill on a low average of maybe 8 gals gallons gas and pay. We have never been there (especially recently with high gas prices) when there are at minimum 5 or 6 cars in each of the 4 (or 6?) lines. We are usually there mid-day which might not be the best time but still. If any gas station is totally empty it has to take more than 5 minutes for the entire process. Maybe time flies when you're having fun! :D

Sam's has three pumps in each bay. We don't gas up at high times I guess.

As an aside.....we pulled into the gas area at BJs today. There is one gas pump per bay and there is no room for cars to que up. I felt it unsafe to be there and there were very few cars to begin with. We will not be getting gas at BJs simply because there is no room to maneuver. There is more room at WaWa and Circle K to line up.

[EdFNJ]

Usually only one car in each lane when I get gas at Sams, about 30 minutes before they close, plus nobody in the store either At that hour it makes sense but I have no desire to drive down thee at 8 or 9PM about 14 mile round trip from my home to either shop and/or save $3 or $4 on gas.

Was there today shopping and at ~2;45 PM when we left there were at least 48 cars (wife stopped counting at 48) because we were trying to get out of the exit that was partially blocked by the lines. Their price was 30cents/gallon (that's a lot) less than Raceway across the highway where we stopped first. So my loss on a 12 gallon fill-up was a total of $3.60 but I was in and out of Raceway in under 10 minutes. Well worth it rather than sitting in line at SAMS or ANY gas station for that matter. I also have no desire to drive down there just before they close, we only go down there when we need to shop during the day. By 8PM I'm too wiped out. Just isn't worth the savings to wait. :D

[B-flat]

If we had needed anything from a big box store on BJ's opening day we would have shopped at Sam's. That's not to mention the fact in about 10 days we'll be back in New England where we don't have a Sam's and will head to BJs. Add me to the list that it's too bad it wasn't a Costco that was built.

[cdzizzy]

I have zero patience for lines myself, and I abhor the construction on 441 by Sam’s. For that reason, if we need to go for gas, Home Depot, Kohls, ABC or any other reason, we don’t leave our house until 7pm. We don’t shop at Sam’s, but the membership more than pays for itself w/gas savings.

[merrymini]

Unfortunately, I much prefer Costco to either of the others. Just ended my relation with them because they are simply too far away to be feasible down here. Joined Sam’s. Refuse to make a special trip for gas and waited 1/2 hour to gas up at Sam’s club. Not worth it. Had a BJ’s card once and not too impressed with them so no reason to join.

[Petersweeney]

We were in the area for a doctor visit and thought we would drop it, what a horror show. Parking lot was mobbed, cars coming out in a steady stream and could not get out of Lowes parking area to cross 441. Will be a while before we go back.

They had a seminar in the back with instruction on how to use real boobs to feed a baby……

[Petersweeney]

I happen to go around 1:00. Why you ask on opening day? Because I wanted to! Got a parking spot directly in front of the main entrance next to the golf cart only parking. Yes it was quite busy in the store however I managed to accomplish what I set out to do. I found every one who I encountered to be considerate and mindful to keeping the flow of shoppers moving along. The staff were extremely helpful & pleasant. Came time to cash out and I was directed to a cashier that had no one in line. So my going to BJ’s on opening day was very satisfying!

Are you a bot?

[midiwiz]

So the ones that went today, what'a think?

it's as expected. BJ's has been our #1 go to for over a decade. Their product base is far better than WalMart and Costco has no plans on being here, yet I'd still take BJ's over Costco. The Bakery is 500% better than any Publix, and the deli is quite nice since I'm not locked into Boar's Head.

The crowd was to be expected since everyone who's anyone has been drooling to check it out. However 90+ yr olds in scooters.... well that clogs the aisles and they move slower than yesterday - a challenge in the making. I dropped about 450 which included renewal of my membership. The upside is that the long range goods (TP, detergent, etc) I won't be buying for months.

All in all it's nice to see a store not scared sh&tless to give anyone a sample. so it's back to BJ's for lunch "buffet" on Saturdays!

[DaleDivine]

I'd rather pay 20c/gallon more for gas than wait in line at Sam's (and I assume for BJ too). SAM's is insane with people jockeying for "position" and sides of the pump. Constant horns blowing. Is waiting in line for 20+ minutes worth saving $3 or $4 or $5? For ME, NO. I'm far from financially loaded but sometimes saving a few bucks just doesn't make much sense TO ME. Of course YMMV. I just have no patience for that or any lines for that matter.

Totally agree. Lines always at Walmart in TV. Drive across the street to 7/11, usually about 5 cents more a gallon and NO LINES. Probably cost me 79 cents more.

:ohdear::ohdear:

[davem4616]

So the ones that went today, what'a think?

Always liked BJ's...and have been traveling down to the one in Clermont to purchase items that I like to purchase in bulk

bought gas at the new one in Lady Lake on Friday...nice price.

drove by the packed parking lot on opening day and continued on....no way was I going to fight that crowd, even if I could have found a parking lot

I'll go in a week or so at dinner time

[Stu from NYC]

it's as expected. BJ's has been our #1 go to for over a decade. Their product base is far better than WalMart and Costco has no plans on being here, yet I'd still take BJ's over Costco. The Bakery is 500% better than any Publix, and the deli is quite nice since I'm not locked into Boar's Head.

The crowd was to be expected since everyone who's anyone has been drooling to check it out. However 90+ yr olds in scooters.... well that clogs the aisles and they move slower than yesterday - a challenge in the making. I dropped about 450 which included renewal of my membership. The upside is that the long range goods (TP, detergent, etc) I won't be buying for months.

All in all it's nice to see a store not scared sh&tless to give anyone a sample. so it's back to BJ's for lunch "buffet" on Saturdays!

Was nice to see a variety of samples, sure helps us to decide on new items to buy.

[Stu from NYC]

They had a seminar in the back with instruction on how to use real boobs to feed a baby……

Huh????

[MandoMan]

Walked inside - almost got run over countless times in 5 minutes by mobility scooters. Wall to wall people. Large portion of the crowd pretending like they were the only ones there. Total rudeness not by the staff but by seniors. Then I realized what the "H" am I doing - this is a superspreader event. FYI - I was not impressed by the prices I observed in the short time I was there.

Don’t judge it by opening day. Of course it was a madhouse. So was Earth Fare when it opened a few months ago, yet now the parking lot is nearly empty.

In my experience, BJ’s has some things Sam’s doesn’t carry, and vice versa. When one opened in Reading, PA years ago, I bought a membership, but I found I was still going to Sam’s most of the time, and I decided it wasn’t cost effective to be a member of both. Within a couple years, the number of people going to BJ’s dropped a lot, but Sam’s didn’t. I’m not sure why. They are both great places to save a lot and spend a lot.

[Doug Thomas]

You "never waited more than 5 minutes at SAMs gas" ?????????? I find that hard to believe. If there is only ONE CAR in front it takes more than 5 minutes to put in the 2 cards, fill on a low average of maybe 8 gals gallons gas and pay. We have never been there (especially recently with high gas prices) when there are at minimum 5 or 6 cars in each of the 4 (or 6?) lines. We are usually there mid-day which might not be the best time but still. If any gas station is totally empty it has to take more than 5 minutes for the entire process. Maybe time flies when you're having fun! :D


At Sam’s gas I use their scan and pay on the app, I can get out of my car, scan to pay & be pumping gas within 20 seconds! Never wait for gas but I only go real early or real late to fill up.

[Deckboat234]

the last 3 times I have been to sams the lines were very short. Most likely from people going back north.

[shov100]

[QUOTE=Michael G.;2095207]So the ones that went today, what'a think?[/QUOTE

We went to BJs and had a good time. We went to the self check out and an associate scanned items for us. He asked if we wanted the $40 upgrade and we said no thank you. Asked again and we replied NO upgrade. After checking us out we looked at our receipt and we were charged the $40 upgrade fee. He took us over to customer service where we went through the procedure of having the $40 added back to our card. Now we are waiting for it to show back on our card. Always look at your receipts.

[Transplant]

Sam's also gives a military membership discount. You have to ask.

[1469b]

Give BJ's a break it's opening weekend don't think you'll be the only one there.
JsBob

[photo1902]

At Sam’s gas I use their scan and pay on the app, I can get out of my car, scan to pay & be pumping gas within 20 seconds! Never wait for gas but I only go real early or real late to fill up.

Scan & Go is awesome. I can't believe how many people in the store wait in the lines instead of using the app.

[carlsondg]

BJ's is no Costco. For BJ's, the first day was not a home run, it was a grand slam. All new people - there should be a traffic flow around the store to keep order - but some people don't know that leaving to more grid lock.

[toeser]

I'd rather pay 20c/gallon more for gas than wait in line at Sam's (and I assume for BJ too). SAM's is insane with people jockeying for "position" and sides of the pump. Constant horns blowing. Is waiting in line for 20+ minutes worth saving $3 or $4 or $5? For ME, NO. I'm far from financially loaded but sometimes saving a few bucks just doesn't make much sense TO ME. Of course YMMV. I just have no patience for that or any lines for that matter.

I have filled up at Sam's for years and never once heard "horns blowing."

[Rodneysblue]

So the ones that went today, what'a think?

Went yesterday 5/14/22, found just like any other store you need to know your prices. I noticed a number of people were, "wow such and such is only $ for this huge size". If they had done a little reading and look at the unit price they would have found that it's not the bargain they thought it was. That being said there are bargains to be had.

[tallmanf]

I dont know why the government doesn’t require all gas fillers to be on the same side of cars. No brained.

[Stu from NYC]

I dont know why the government doesn’t require all gas fillers to be on the same side of cars. No brained.

one lane is always much shorter than the other.

[Michael G.]

I can't believe how many people in the store wait in the lines instead of using the app.

Because we are not teenagers anymore that need to be checkout NOW.

We're old, most of us are retired and we accept the art of patience and time.

How wonderful you got out the door 2 minutes sooner, congratulations

[Michael G.]

BJ's is no Costco.


Sorry to say

BJ's is no Costco,
Costco is no Sam's,
Sam's is no BJ's,
BJ's is no Sam's

Your Welcome

[Dilligas]

I'd rather pay 20c/gallon more for gas than wait in line at Sam's (and I assume for BJ too). SAM's is insane with people jockeying for "position" and sides of the pump. Constant horns blowing. Is waiting in line for 20+ minutes worth saving $3 or $4 or $5? For ME, NO. I'm far from financially loaded but sometimes saving a few bucks just doesn't make much sense TO ME. Of course YMMV. I just have no patience for that or any lines for that matter.
As my Dad used to say...."gasoline is the cheapest thing about owning an automobile".

[photo1902]

Because we are not teenagers anymore that need to be checkout NOW.

We're old, most of us are retired and we accept the art of patience and time.

How wonderful you got out the door 2 minutes sooner, congratulations

Scan & Go is a game changer. Simply scan the items as you place them in your cart. When you’re done, swipe to pay. Then proceed to the exit door.

But hey, if you have nothing to do but wait in line, enjoy!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

[QUOTE=Michael G.;2095207]So the ones that went today, what'a think?[/QUOTE

We went to BJs and had a good time. We went to the self check out and an associate scanned items for us. He asked if we wanted the $40 upgrade and we said no thank you. Asked again and we replied NO upgrade. After checking us out we looked at our receipt and we were charged the $40 upgrade fee. He took us over to customer service where we went through the procedure of having the $40 added back to our card. Now we are waiting for it to show back on our card. Always look at your receipts.that’s why the self checkout line becomes the non fast line , because people use the line and call for customer service person to help them

[Stu from NYC]

[QUOTE=shov100;2095585]that’s why the self checkout line becomes the non fast line , because people use the line and call for customer service person to help them

Very true. Yesterday do believe going to pay via cashier was faster than self checkout line.

Not to mention why should I be free labor to the store and help them take away jobs from cashiers?

[mlmarr]

So the ones that went today, what'a think?

we took a golf cart ride Sat PM, parking was available, prices are mix and matched with Sam's club.. rec'd 40$ for using my BJ/Card .. plus coupons saved on items we purchased. Quote on New Eye Glasses, very good especially with the UHC The Villages Healthcare ..
as for people.. People are people and plenty were and weren't nice.. will be nice to go again.

Llike the main stream media, judge for yourself, turn off the lies

[JoMar]

BJ's has their version of scan and go (Express Pay) on your phone. Can check prices, track the amount you are buying etc. We use scan and go at Sam's, Express Pay at BJ's and wish Costco would figure it out sooner than later. Another advantage of BJ's was their gas prices. when BJ's opened at $4.21Sam's dropped their prices to match. When you fill up at Sam's you can thank BJ's....competition is a good thing.

[Rscheer]

I work at BJ's and yes it was crowded...mostly with folks from The Villages...please be kind to people. Most incidents with the wheel chairs and motorized scooters were Villagers.

A new store and people are curious! It hopefully, will calm down in a few weeks.

[Freehiker]

This thread is not what I was expecting.

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread is not what I was expecting.

Maybe you have the wrong site.:ohdear:

[Stu from NYC]

This thread is not what I was expecting.

Why?

[rustyp]

this thread is not what i was expecting.

why?

hint

93774

[EdFNJ]

I have filled up at Sam's for years and never once heard "horns blowing." Congrats! :coolsmiley:

[Michael G.]

There's talk about routing the golfcart path behind the store instead of entering directly
into the parking lots.

Don't know how true this is so please to flame me, my feelings are hurt easily.

[NoMoSno]

There's talk about routing the golfcart path behind the store instead of entering directly
into the parking lots.

Don't know how true this is so please to flame me, my feelings are hurt easily.
There is not a thruway behind the store. I checked it for a possible route around the store.
The road to the south of the store is for more future apartments being build behind BJs.

[NoMoSno]

There are plans for more apartments behind BJs next to the existing apartments behind Lowes.
From an article in the online Village News, dated OCT 30 2021:

"Villagers on Historic Side upset about Sumter allowing more apartments in their backyard"

"Sumter County commissioners have approved a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for an apartment complex of up to 360 units in the northeastern part of the county.

Villages Crossing, developed by Ron Brown and Character Oaks Real Estate (C.O.R.E.), would be built near Lowe’s and behind BJ’s Warehouse along U.S. Hwy. 27/441.

The 15-acre project would be adjacent to the 282-unit Parkside at East Village apartment complex, also developed by C.O.R.E. of Summerfield, and west of Orange Blossom Gardens on the Historic Side of The Villages. Parkside at East Village was recently sold to a Boston-based company and is being re-christened Parker at East Village."