I received a promotional coupon in the mail to get a one year membership for $ 25 and I jumped on the opportunity. I have previously been a member, but a few years back decided to get a Costco membership with a good friend. So, I’ve been going to Costco for the past 3 years. My parents, however, have a BJ’s membership, so I am quite familiar with the store. I rarely go full blown shopping at these places, mainly toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent. But, I recently decided to start buying more items in bulk, especially since I had my new BJ’s membership! Who doesn’t need a 5lb jar of mayonnaise, right? Plus, I received a great packet of coupons in the mail from BJ’s and I was able to get a pretty good amount of household and frozen food items for about $ 100 using about 6 – 7 coupons. And, this stuff will last a while. In terms of how they compare to Costco, Costco automatically deducts monthly specials, whereas BJ’s you have to have the paper coupons from the booklet. However, BJ’s accepts manufacturer’s coupons(in addition to their store coupons) AND they accept credit cards. Costco does not. BJ’s does not require you to show your membership card upon entrance, Costco does. Also, I hear Costco’s food stand is better! lol, I haven’t tried it personally, but that’s what the streets are saying :) Overall, I had a great experience. Everything I needed was in stock. Lines were not ridiculously long for a late Saturday morning and the cashier was very nice. I think if you’ve been to a wholesale club, your experience will pretty much be the same with minimal variation depending on location. Oh, and don’t forget to try the free samples! ;)
Stéphanie S.
Classificação do local: 2 Montreal, Canada
It was my first experience at a BJ’s. Similar in concept to Costco but I didn’t like the selection as much nor the layout of the place… well it’s a warehouse type store so you can’t expect it to be spectacular but nevertheless, Costco does a better job at it. What’s nice however is that you can come here without being a member. You’ll be changed 15% extra for it so it’s no bargain but at least you can sample it and decide if it’s worth it.
Christine G.
Classificação do local: 4 Columbia, MD
I don’t write many reviews, but rely heavily on other’s reviews, ratings, opinions, etc. Today, I went into BJ’s for a free 60-day membership, but instead I bought a $ 4014-month personal membership. I also have a Costco membership, but Costco can be out of certain items sometimes. I liked the selection of items at BJ’s. I also like that I can use my credit cards and manufacturers’ coupons. Also, there are self-check outs and that was great because I bought only three items. I am sorry to say that I will never again buy a hotdog at the snack bar. Costco’s hotdogs do win hands down. All in all, I enjoyed the shopping and will be back often.
Louie B.
Classificação do local: 4 Laurel, MD
What is not to love about buying 100 gallons of ketchup for $ 3! You get what you get here. They have decent bargains, but the lines can get long to check out if you don’t go early. It’s better than Sam’s in Laurel though.
M J.
Classificação do local: 1 Riverdale Park, MD
Well stocked store in a convenient location. I’d a one day pass and was looking forward to becoming a member. Poor service! Virginia in Member services was inexplicably rude. I was in line(with 2 young children) waiting my turn while she attended to a customer. When she was done, I thought she’d assist me, instead she began chatting on the phone without even acknowledging me(and I’d been waiting 10 minutes already.) After a few more minutes, I asked her whether I should come back after she was done and she did not respond. During that time another customer approached the line waited a bit and left again without any kind of acknowledgement from Virginia. I will not be returning due to Virginia’s poor service. I will go to Costco’s instead!
Kris L.
Classificação do local: 1 Philadelphia, PA
Wow this was so disappointing. I received a voucher for a free 60 day membership. Came here to activate and was told that I would have to pay the extra«non-member» 15% fee with every purchase. That didnt make sense based on the fact that my voucher was for a free MEMBERSHIP; therefore I would be a member by definition. The employee actually had the nerve to say that the voucher was just a way to «get people in» and that it wasn’t «really» for a membership. What?!? We went to browse in case we did want to ultimately purchase a membership(and not pay the extra 15%) and their selection was less than Costco and overall the store seemed more dirty and less organized. Either way honestly my opinion was so skewed by how poorly we were treated at customer service. Having someone tell you to your face that they are scamming you just doesn’t make sense or feel very good. Will be staying with Costco!
Kris K.
Classificação do local: 4 Columbia, MD
wholesale + coupons = win! I like BJ’s because they are the only wholesaler that accepts coupons that I know of — their prices and sales are good too! The only downside is their selection. They have a lot of what I am looking for on a daily basis, but they lack higher end items. If you cannot afford a costco membership, BJ’s is next best!
Molly A.
Classificação do local: 5 Washington, DC
Growing up in this neighborhood, I’ve been to BJ’s more times than I can remember. But during my trip here last week, I finally recognized it’s full greatness. I recently moved to London and was disappointed in the lack of diversity in skincare and haircare products. I mean, isn’t it supposed to be one the most diverse metropolitans in the world?! Anyways, I spent most of my Christmas trip to the States searching for my beloved beauty products. And then it hit me: why not buy them in bulk so I don’t have to spend a ton of money at Walmart/Target/etc? Enter my family’s BJ’s membership. I was overwhelmed by how many of my favorite soaps, lotions, hair sprays, shaving creams, and feminine products are available in bulk. I’m even talking about the so-called«ethnic» products. That’s right, ladies; you can buy a lifetime supply of relaxers and cocoa butter, too! I’m really happy that I purchased enough stuff to last for the remainder of my tenure in London… and I’m even happier that my luggage wasn’t overweight ;)
Jody Z.
Classificação do local: 4 Columbia, MD
I admit I haven’t been to BJ’s as often since Wegman’s came into town, but I do get some great deals here. I like to stock up on paper products, frozen foods, and meats. I also like that you can get some smaller sized items too like one gallon of ice cream, one bag of salad, sliced to order deli meats, produce, etc. They have great seasonal items, kid’s toys, electronics and even clothes. They carry good brands of socks, work out clothes, and jackets. I’ve even bought some dress shirts for my husband. Magazines are always 20% off, I think, and greeting cards, wrapping paper, and gift bags are 50% off of the marked prices! There are some really good deals, I feel like my membership is well worth the price, and you can also use BJ’s coupons(mailed each month and featured ones in the front of the store) and manufacturers coupons as well. The store is well organized and they have samples on the weekends. Both the parking lot and store just seem less crowded and chaotic compared to Costco.
Junior V.
Classificação do local: 2 Columbia, MD
So we upgraded our membership for $ 25 and when we noticed it wasn’t what we wanted we tried to downgrade out membership; in one day, and we were told no. So I guess you can keep your $ 25 and your membership b/c you lost our our family as customers. We will go back to Sam’s. the deals are pretty good and buying in bulk is very helpful but if they want to burn a bridge with a customer over $ 25 then so be it.
Samuel C.
Classificação do local: 4 Ellicott City, MD
I hate to shop but I like this place. I can get whatever i needed right after work.
Tim H.
Classificação do local: 4 Columbia, MD
I hate to shop but I like this place. It’s a one stop shopping place for me. I can get food, clothing, electronics, house hold goods and automotive supplies. This location is well stocked and has a friendly staff. If you hate to shop as much as I do, shop here since it will cater to all your shopping needs.
Jo P.
Classificação do local: 5 Elkridge, MD
My husband and I went in with the intention of a trial membership but ended up purchasing one instead. The staff at the services desk was very friendly and helpful. I LOVE how you can combine manufactorer coupons along with their store coupons.