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).

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

: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.

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.

Thanks
 

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

I remember Zayre's.

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.