BJ's Pelham Manor, NY

[rolise]

I recently got an invitation to join a new BJ's opening in May 2009 in Pelham Manor, NY. The deal is about $39 for a 15 month membership. Worth it? I have been to Costco but am not familiar with BJ's. The Costco near us is super crowded and inconveniently located. BJ's would be easier for me. What is good there?

[Bob W]

We belong to both. BJ's has a wider variety of foods in key categories -- cereal, canned fruits, snacks, etc. Costco is more like, "Our prices are great, this is what we have, deal with it."

[cstr]

True, Costco will not carry a product, or waste floor space, unless the product will sell briskly, the member gets a great price and Costco can make a profit. Excellent business model.

[markabauman]

I hope this is not just a case of "the grass is greener". I've been a member of BJ's for many years in the upstate NY area (we have them in Albany, Saratoga and Rotterdam). We do not have Costco locally. However, I have visited Costco in Scottsdale, AZ and Boca Raton, FL with family a number of times. I can't vouch for everyday products, but for food and wine, that I assume most CH'ers would be interested in, I found the Costco to be far superior in quality and availability of food and wine- I did not do any comparison pricing of similar products available in both. I don't think I'm a food snob, but there are many, many things in BJ's that I wouldn't consider buying (say, a 12-pack of Kraft Mac 'n Cheese). Good for many staples, non-food items.

[Bob W]

I too turned up my nose at that 12-pack of Kraft Mac n Cheese -- until my twins were old enough to eat it. Nose turned down quickly. Many if not most people join wholesale clubs FOR everyday items, including basic foodstuffs, not $100 bottles of wine.

But I do agree on the wine comparison -- Costco has a truly amazing wine section. BJ's wine section is ok if you're in a pinch and need a decent bottle but there's really no comparison between the two stores on that count.

I wonder if that Costco in Boca actually sells anything. My father used to go there to browse and eat samples. But to actually buy anything would have been like Kramer and the Beef-a-Reeno.

[markabauman]

I believe my folks in Boca mainly bought paper products, gasoline and used the pharmacy. Possibly quantities of golf balls.

[cstr]

I think Costco has excellent products, their bakeries, imported cheeses and wine selections are especially good. I also like the fact that Costco's can be found across all 50 states, as I travel quite a bit. BJ's in only in the North East area of the country.

[MisterBill2]

One other advantage of BJ's is that they accept manufacturer's coupons.

Since the store in question is in New York, there will not be any wine for sale.

OP will the Pelham BJ's sell gas? That could be an advantage.

[cstr]

Another reason why I like Costco, I save on gas plus their AMEX cash back on gas is 3%.

[rolise]

There is no gas but none at local Costco's either. Having now been to BJ's I like their frozen food selection, snack and candy selection better. Costco does have better cheese choices. BJ's has better cupcakes for kids (smaller). Oh and I did not have to buy 3 dozen eggs or 4 OJ. And yes this BJ's has a deli. So far I like it and have best of both worlds since I can go to Costco with MIL's card.

[greygarious]

They carry many of the same products; I've belonged to Costco for many years and have during that time had periodic memberships in BJ's too, because my workplace offered a discount group membership. I stick with Costco because of their Kirkland brand dog kibble, which is excellent. What I like best about BJ's is that their aisles are labeled, which Costco's are not. If you have mobility problems, as I do, traipsing all over Costco looking for peanut butter is exhausting. My impression is that BJ's has more food items than does Costco, but that Costco's house brand, prepared, and in-store bakery items are better quality than BJ's. I think BJ's has more large-package offerings of familiar supermarket items than does Costco. BJ's has a service deli counter, which Costco lacks. However, the weekly junk mail that includes the area's supermarket flyers often contains a coupon envelope with a free one-day pass to BJ's, or a free 2-month trial membership. If you know any BJ's members, they receive a newsletter that always contains either or both of these passes. The passes involve a 5% surcharge but I don't buy enough at BJ's to recoup the annual membership fee. Unless the membership offers a pro-rated refund if you aren't satisfied, I'd suggest you try a pass or trial membership first.

[MisterBill2]

BJ's bakery is definitely not as good as Costco. I know the Costco in New Rochelle is a zoo but given the choice I would still go there.

Also, the new BJ's may or may not have a deli. The one in Yorktown Heights does not have one and apparently will not get one because of size issues. I would definitely check out BJ's before joining unless they offer a money-back guarantee (which I think they do). you can always shop there without a membership by paying a surcharge.