BJ’s Shopping

[thelegges]

So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away:crap2:

[TNLAKEPANDA]

We also did our first visit to BJ’s. Nice store but we thought they would have smaller sizes then Sams but that is not true. Quick and easy check out as it was not very busy. Prices are not great. Bottom line not worth the drive up there from the south side to shop.

[ThirdOfFive]

So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away:crap2:
Never been there or even gone into a BJ's. Minnesota doesn't have them. No need down here since we have both Sam's Club and Costco memberships--Sam's for the day-to-day needs, Costco for bigger-ticket items (electronics, mainly) because of quality and warranty.

With Sam's just up the road, you'd think that BJ's would start to feel the pinch if their business starts slacking off because of better value for money at Sam's. Then again, with snowbird season coming up, that pinch will probably be postponed until next spring, if ever.

[retiredguy123]

Having a BJ's and a Sam's so close together is a big advantage. I used to avoid going to Sam's because it was always crowded. Now, I can go to either store and neither of them is crowded. So, I shop at these stores more often. I don't really see much of a difference between the stores.

[Bilyclub]

Thanks for the review. I'll still head SW once a month.

[Stu from NYC]

Long time member of Sams just joined BJ's. We find advantages with both.

For example we really like BJ's deli counter and better cheese selection.

As a result we are alternating between the two.

[collie1228]

We do both Sam's and BJ's and use their apps to "scan and go". In our last three trips to BJ's, at the exit, they re-scanned every one of our items. I guess we look suspicious. Sam's never does that (usually two or three items), so from now on, it's Sam's for us. I plan to tell BJ's that's why we will be allowing our membership to end.

[Stu from NYC]

We do both Sam's and BJ's and use their apps to "scan and go". In our last three trips to BJ's, at the exit, they re-scanned every one of our items. I guess we look suspicious. Sam's never does that (usually two or three items), so from now on, it's Sam's for us. I plan to tell BJ's that's why we will be allowing our membership to end.

Very strange BJ's usually only scans one of our items Sams does at least three.

Wonder why they do all of yours unless it is their policy for scan and go.

[Aces4]

Very strange BJ's usually only scans one of our items Sams does at least three.

Wonder why they do all of yours unless it is their policy for scan and go.

We’ve never had any items rescanned, weird…

[Caymus]

Very strange BJ's usually only scans one of our items Sams does at least three.

Wonder why they do all of yours unless it is their policy for scan and go.

I found this interesting. Wegmans Supermarkets is eliminating scan and go due to stealing. The article also reports that over 20% of customers have admitted to stealing during self-checkout.

MSN (https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/major-grocery-store-chain-doing-away-with-self-checkout/ar-AA11U8Rd?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=ef151163011b48739041d0768abbad92)

[retiredguy123]

I found this interesting. Wegmans Supermarkets is eliminating scan and go due to stealing. The article also reports that over 20% of customers have admitted to stealing during self-checkout.

MSN (https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/major-grocery-store-chain-doing-away-with-self-checkout/ar-AA11U8Rd?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=ef151163011b48739041d0768abbad92)
Duh! I don't need an article to figure that out. I think they should also do away with the self checkout lanes for the same reason. Unless they are going to use a camera and actually prosecute people who steal.

Stealing at the public libraries is rampant because there is no security whatsoever. But, I guess they don't care because it is taxpayer funded.

[Mleeja]

So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away:crap2:

If one has the BJ’s app they can select the coupons ahead of time. They when you checkout they automatically apply. I agree about BJ’s rescanning all the items if you use scan and go. It seems like a big waste of time for the shopper…

[Bill14564]

Duh! I don't need an article to figure that out. I think they should also do away with the self checkout lanes for the same reason. Unless they are going to use a camera and actually prosecute people who steal.

Stealing at the public libraries is rampant because there is no security whatsoever. But, I guess they don't care because it is taxpayer funded.

The self checkout lanes typically alert if an item is put into the bagging area without first being scanned. Wouldn't prevent someone from leaving it in their cart and just not scanning it but hopefully an attendant would notice that.

Sam's club spot checks items on the way out the door. They used to just count (or guess at the count) but with scan-and-go they have been scanning some of the items in the cart. Since I don't have a receipt with a list of items I can show, I guess they scan some of the items to confirm that I had scanned them as part of my purchase. Not perfect but likely sufficient to prevent most of the "mistakes."

[Garywt]

Next time down we will make it to BJs. Been a member for over 30 years. Never belonged to Sams and not a fan at all of Costco.

Rarely to we go to BJs for food shopping. Always a great place to go for pool parties. We mostly go for paper goods, water, medicine and the like. While there we do pick up a few items, candy, cereal, bakery. The seasonal section is good as well as we have picked up some nice things through the years.

[Stu from NYC]

I found this interesting. Wegmans Supermarkets is eliminating scan and go due to stealing. The article also reports that over 20% of customers have admitted to stealing during self-checkout.

MSN (https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/major-grocery-store-chain-doing-away-with-self-checkout/ar-AA11U8Rd?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=ef151163011b48739041d0768abbad92)

Wow scan and go as an excuse to steal. Thought most people better than that

[EdFNJ]

We do both Sam's and BJ's and use their apps to "scan and go". In our last three trips to BJ's, at the exit, they re-scanned every one of our items. I guess we look suspicious. Sam's never does that (usually two or three items), so from now on, it's Sam's for us. I plan to tell BJ's that's why we will be allowing our membership to end. Yea, I noticed that as well. We asked the door person and he said "until the app is perfected they will do that." LOL. Don't take it personally, you're not alone.

I did notice, unlike Sam's most people only had a few items rather than a big load so there weren't too many items to scan. I also don't like their app because it's scanner is WAY too sensitive and we constantly are scanning things multiple times. Probably because it is ALWAYS on and scanning where Sam's goes off after each item. Never have that problem with Sam's app.

[jrandall]

So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away:crap2:

I felt the sane way. I went once and probably won’t go back. Besides all you referenced the store layout is not pleasing either. Sam’s is much better.

[Jerseyborn]

We use BJs monthly. I guess the items on our list are the good priced ones because we save a ton! The coupons are a pain, but I load them on the card while my husband is driving to the store. 5 pounds of Starbucks whole bean for $14, a pound of nova lox for $19 , you’d pay over $10 for 4 oz at Publix. Targeted shopping and knowing your prices makes it work for us. Promotion for members earlier this month_we got gas for $2.60 a gallon.

[annhennessy]

I am not crazy about Sam's or BJ's, will I like Costco better?

[CosmicTrucker]

Compared to Costco, BJ’s branded prepared food and their clothing is horrible in quality. I’ve tried a couple different food options and all have disappointed with a nasty artificial taste. The few clothing items all ended up having poor quality and even fell apart after two washings.
I will continue to buy the gas and refill propane along with buying brand name products with coupons.

I recommend using the BJs app and express check out. The app will automatically offer any available coupons when you scan the items to your cart.





So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away:crap2:

[JMintzer]

We’ve never had any items rescanned, weird…

You must not be as sketchy looking as some...:icon_wink:

[Stu from NYC]

I felt the sane way. I went once and probably won’t go back. Besides all you referenced the store layout is not pleasing either. Sam’s is much better.

By the second time we understood the store layout and do not see that as a problem. Took a couple of times at this Sams also

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

I went to BJ’s one time wasn’t too impressed it seems like it’s definitely a smaller store. And then the meat department when you bought bulk meat like hamburger they had no plastic bag for you to put it in in the bottom of the hamburger meat was all bloody going into the grocery cart that somebody’s going to use right behind me I tried to pick out one that wasn’t juicy and bloody leaving a trail but I cannot believe you can buy raw meat and not have a plastic bag to put them in. And as far as the self checkout lines go you can’t use cash on those at least you couldn’t. you could only use a card. And I know some of you prefer a card and some of us prefer cash but it’s nice to be able to have that option versus not being able to have an option because I use cash .
But I also prefer a Costco over they will at least box your groceries versus putting your groceries back in the cart. and then you have to box everything up at the vehicle.

[chrissy2231]

When my Sam's membership expired, I bought the 1 year $25 BJ's member. PRO's - they have the best, strongest and most absorbent paper towels. Many more gas pumps. Fresh deli. HUGE 4 to a pack chicken legs. Shopping & gas at 5PM, no lines.

CON's - smaller packaging on some items with higher prices than Sam's, much less tasty cashew nuts. Cashiers less friendly. YUK, coupon cutting.

I'll go back to Sam's cuz of better prices and closer to my home. PLUS, they will be less busy cuz of lost BIZ to BJ's.

[airstreamingypsy]

Me, I don't pay to shop. I don't really see the appeal of paying for a membership to go to a big box store to buy mass quantities of stuff. I did join BJs, but only to give a membership to my lawn guy's wife... she likes Sams and with all that construction BJs is much easier to get to for us, on this southern side of town. Her husband is no longer my lawn guy, so I won't renew. I've never been there myself.

[BlueHeronFan]

The Wife used the promo $25 for a year. When it expires we will not renew. As a side, the BJ'S liquor store does not require a membership. Prices are good. Example Makers Mark 1.75 is $41.99, $5 cheaper than everywhere else.

[thelegges]

I thought it was odd when we checked out at BJ’s only self check was available. Then at the door the guy scanned everything, what a waste of time. Now that I know we weren’t the only ones, I wonder why the multiple scan.

Just left Sam’s, bought the 16 items that BJ’s was too outrageous priced. I was wrong on my earlier statement that BJ’s was $26 dollars higher, than Sam’s. Cost savings at Sam’s was $29.15. Gas at Sam’s was the same as BJs, but Sam’s was packed, every checkout open.

2 weeks till Costco trip, so glad I didn’t get the year membership at BJ,s

[Stu from NYC]

I am not crazy about Sam's or BJ's, will I like Costco better?

Maybe

[Bdame]

I felt the sane way. I went once and probably won’t go back. Besides all you referenced the store layout is not pleasing either. Sam’s is much better.

I agree. The layout of the store could me much better I moved from Rochester Ny and utilized the Bjs in Victor Ny. If anyone that works for Bjs home office is reading this Victor is best practice and all new stores should be laid out the same. No I have no financial interest in Bjs just talking as a customer

[JMintzer]

Wow scan and go as an excuse to steal. Thought most people better than that

An excuse? No. An opportunity? Most definitely!

[JSR22]

I am not crazy about Sam's or BJ's, will I like Costco better?

I do not like Sam's or BJ's, but I like Costco very much. IMO they carry higher quality items. Much better wine, meat, fish etc.

[Stu from NYC]

An excuse? No. An opportunity? Most definitely!

Your right it is an opportunity for some

[vinricci]

Also all handicapped parking is in one place not even close to entrance. Not convenient.

[Great]

Wow scan and go as an excuse to steal. Thought most people better than that

I think bj is a good store

[islandtimeCB]

Hi,
I see there is golf cart parking at BJ's. How do you get there from Lake Sumter?

[Jensor17]

What do we have to do to get a COSTCO Here? Or TRADER JOE’S ? EarthFare is closing. Maybe we could petition TJ’s and Costco to fill that space. Any suggestions ?

[JSR22]

What do we have to do to get a COSTCO Here? Or TRADER JOE’S ? EarthFare is closing. Maybe we could petition TJ’s and Costco to fill that space. Any suggestions ?

Earth Fare is way too small for a COSTCO.

[Jensor17]

Also all handicapped parking is in one place not even close to entrance. Not convenient.
HANDICAP Parking is too few in all the town squares and at lots of stores. This upsets me as I drive around and round seeking HC PARKING— BUT I FIND GOLF CARTS (WITHOUT HC TAGS) ARE TAKING UP HC SPOTS. I urge POLICE to ticket the illegal abusers of Handicap parking.

[Stu from NYC]

HANDICAP Parking is too few in all the town squares and at lots of stores. This upsets me as I drive around and round seeking HC PARKING— BUT I FIND GOLF CARTS (WITHOUT HC TAGS) ARE TAKING UP HC SPOTS. I urge POLICE to ticket the illegal abusers of Handicap parking.

Ever ask why they do not?

[trxi6565]

Hi,
I see there is golf cart parking at BJ's. How do you get there from Lake Sumter?

GPS on The Villages app can help you

[Villagesgal]

Thanks for the pricing info. I won't bother to go. Why pay more there?

[JMintzer]

HANDICAP Parking is too few in all the town squares and at lots of stores. This upsets me as I drive around and round seeking HC PARKING— BUT I FIND GOLF CARTS (WITHOUT HC TAGS) ARE TAKING UP HC SPOTS. I urge POLICE to ticket the illegal abusers of Handicap parking.

Since there is no registration for the golf carts, who would they write the ticket to?

The red yamaha with the fancy seats?

[JMintzer]

Ever ask why they do not?

See my post above...

[Stu from NYC]

See my post above...

Well they could sit and wait for the owner to come back but in all seriousness they should be able to discourage able bodies folks from taking handicapped spots.

[Bill14564]

Hi,
I see there is golf cart parking at BJ's. How do you get there from Lake Sumter?

There is a golf cart gate off Paradise Dr. in the historic section that takes you outside the Villages to the medical complex and access to Lowe's, Beall's, and BJ's.

[thelegges]

What do we have to do to get a COSTCO Here? Or TRADER JOE’S ? EarthFare is closing. Maybe we could petition TJ’s and Costco to fill that space. Any suggestions ?

Costco building in Clermont, will be closer than driving to Wesley Chapel. TJ’s is privately owned, they choose where to build, wine all you want, but will no petition will make them build here. We drive to Gainesville for TJ’s, farther than Orlando, but easier drive.

[Garywt]

What do we have to do to get a COSTCO Here? Or TRADER JOE’S ? EarthFare is closing. Maybe we could petition TJ’s and Costco to fill that space. Any suggestions ?

Neither of those have interest for me but I guess for others. Everyone likes something different.

[Avista]

We have shopped there a number of times. Always use the Scan and Go. Checkout. It’s extremely easy. Before I go to store I download coupons in app. When I scan something coupon automatically applied. Store is easy to get to. No need to go on 441. Twice after coming home I compared my shopping list to exact items at Walmart and have always come out quite a bit ahead. Of course, they don't have everything, but by going once a month we feel we save money.

[Bilyclub]

Hi,
I see there is golf cart parking at BJ's. How do you get there from Lake Sumter?

There is a golf cart gate off Paradise Dr. in the historic section that takes you outside the Villages to the medical complex and access to Lowe's, Beall's, and BJ's.

Don't forget your gate card to get back in.

[Pairadocs]

So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away:crap2:

We had very similar experience (but did pay for 1 year). Did not like the "coupon" gimmick, reminded me of JoAnn's, just a marketing "game" that no doubt pays off when people forget to use them. Found some items on our list HIGHER than the local WM (not Sam's Club, just WM store), so that was disappointing. Didn't see any of the unusual items and great bargains we always found at Costco. The residents have been begging for an area Costco for at least 20 years, always #1 or #2 on the request list. Sad that after all that, B.J.'s is the one who made the decision to open in this area, but I realize Costco has their perimeters for new locations and we simply did not meet their requirements (know that for a fact as we have friend who works in corporate in Washington)

[Luggage]

gas cost for me would be quite a bit .. can someone show me prices on several items to tell if its worth it ? - I don't know how retiress ( with two to a household ) need to buy big quantities to save a few bucks - seems wasteful . except for whole salmon that you could freeze perhaps.

what do you need in large quantities ?

thanks ..

[Stu from NYC]

gas cost for me would be quite a bit .. can someone show me prices on several items to tell if its worth it ? - I don't know how retiress ( with two to a household ) need to buy big quantities to save a few bucks - seems wasteful . except for whole salmon that you could freeze perhaps.

what do you need in large quantities ?

thanks ..

We buy fruits and vegetables do not have to buy in huge quantities. Deli counter we tell them quantity. Have found some other items we are buying

[Bill14564]

gas cost for me would be quite a bit .. can someone show me prices on several items to tell if its worth it ? - I don't know how retiress ( with two to a household ) need to buy big quantities to save a few bucks - seems wasteful . except for whole salmon that you could freeze perhaps.

what do you need in large quantities ?

thanks ..

What is wasteful about buying in quantity? Not using what you bought and throwing it away is wasteful. Buying a quantity of an item at a lower price while eliminating trips to the store for that item seems to be the opposite of wasteful.

[Stu from NYC]

What is wasteful about buying in quantity? Not using what you bought and throwing it away is wasteful. Buying a quantity of an item at a lower price while eliminating trips to the store for that item seems to be the opposite of wasteful.

Agreed but some things we have bought in bulk have lasted for well over a year. Do not think that it saves us trips as we pretty much go once a week as there are always at least a couple of items we will want to buy.

Overall will keep our memberships to two stores

[thelegges]

gas cost for me would be quite a bit .. can someone show me prices on several items to tell if its worth it ? - I don't know how retiress ( with two to a household ) need to buy big quantities to save a few bucks - seems wasteful . except for whole salmon that you could freeze perhaps.

what do you need in large quantities ?

thanks ..

Not sure what you call big quantities, but anything frozen from Sam’s Costco or the commissary is the same as buying at grocery, for us.paper products are the same as grocery, just less money. Doesn’t seem like you have shopped at warehouses, so one needs to form their own options. What doesn’t work for you may work for hundreds of people, including us