BJ’s Shopping
 

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

We’ve never had any items rescanned, weird…

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

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.

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…

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."

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.

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