BJ's just opened here and is offering a one year membership special for $15 - if you sign up for auto renew at $60, of course. I think they bank on you forgetting to cancel. Anyway, I already have both Sams and Costco - cause I keep forgetting to cancel Sam's. I can't remember the last time I went to Sam's. I think i just like Costco better, even if it is more expensive. I need to make another Sam's run before I cancel.
Anyway, which do you prefer? I plan on at least checking BJ's out to see if they will let me walk throught without joining.
We have both Sam’s and Costco as well, because there are things at each we don’t find at the other. BJ’s just opened locally here as well, no idea about what they are like.
No experience with BJ's, love Costco but don't have one near me - hopefully soon. My nephew is a supervisor at a Costco in Houston, he said they plan a major expansion. Sam's membership expired several years ago and I haven't set foot in there since they stopped carrying pork bellies (maybe they have them now but I haven't been there in ten years). HEB has them so I don't need to drive the 20 miles to Sam's regardless.
I’ve been impressed with the way HEB has expanded their meat offerings in recent years! Yesterday I picked up a Prime chuck roast on sale and it was $1.50 lb cheaper than their Choice chuck roast.
Retired, living in Western Mass. Enjoy music, cooking and my family.
Current cookers Weber Spirit 3 burner with a full insert griddle added. A 22" Kettle with vortex, SnS and a Smokey Joe. The most recent addition is a Pit Barrel Jr with bird hanger, 4 hooks and cover. ThermoWorks Smoke 2 probe, DOT, 2 ThermoPops and a Thermapen MK4. A Thermoworks RFX Gateway 2 probe meat thermometer.
klflowers were members at B.J's. Recently let it expire. They used to provide day passes. I would think they still do and it's to checkout. Of course everything is large quantities, including proteins.
I received a flyer from Costco and discussed getting a membership there. In the same general area. I haven't looked into it yet. Membership is $65. I most likely won't join at that price for the number of times we'd go. That's why we haven't renewed yet with B.J.'s.
Currently own:
Weber 22 and 26 Kettle.
Regular gasser with rotisserie.
Custom built horizontal stick burner.
Custom built duel fuel "whole hog" cooker.
​​​Many other tools of the trade.
22” Blue Weber Kettle with SnS insert
Kamado Joe Jr with Kick Ash Basket
Char-Broil Smartchef Tru Infrared Gasser
Anovo Hot Tub Time Machine with Custom Hot Tub
This is second hand. My dad used to work at BJs in NC for a bit making some extra money and keep busy after retiring from his full time job. BJs was good and the job lasted a bit, Costco eventually opened nearby. My folks checked it out and started going there instead of BJs. I can’t remember exactly why after the years, I do remember they liked Costco better. Go check them all out and see what’s best for you. Costco is still the leader for my needs.
I have never seen BJ's. I go to both Sam's, very close to me and Costco-30+ min drive, because they offer things the other doesn't. Plus, I'm retired, what else is there to do on somedays?
BTW, Costco gas meets Top Tier requirements and the price is great.
If I had to choose only one, then Costco would get my vote.
Yeah I'm leaning that way too. I haven't been in Sam's since i broke off with the vegan - she liked Sam's. Before her, it had been a couple years. But you are right. I have time lol
Been a longtime Costco member and I also joined Sam’s Club for a year after a cheap membership promotion they had. After visiting 2 different Sam’s Clubs nearby I let the membership expire and never went back. To me, Costco is much better for a variety of reasons. There’s no BJ’s in Houston so I can’t really compare them to Costco.
Kevin, over the last couple of years my visits to Costco have been drastically reduced. I might go only once or twice a year now, only for a few items I can’t get elsewhere.
On our way to Costco tomorrow on our every 8 weeks trip to Colorado Springs for Carolyn s eye appointment. We really like Costco and load up when we shop. Unfortunately there are many bulk food items that are just too large in quantity to purchase for just the two of us. You can only vacuum seal and freeze so much. Never been to BJ or Sam.
I have had a Costco membership since the '80s, (it was Price Club when I joined). BJ's opened near us and had a first year promo for $25. I went 2 or 3 times and stopped. And I canceled before it renewed.
I did go to Sam's one time to check it out. I remember that they had full racks of beef ribs, but they normally cut them into something smaller, but would sell you full racks if you asked. That was probably 5 - 6 years ago.
Started going to Price Club in the 90s in Northern California. So a member for about 30 years and well worth it! Love how they treat both their employees and members If you want to see something interesting, look for the YouTube videos of Costcos in Paris and Taipei.
I like BJ's over the other two. They carry what I need, have good quality meats, a full deli, and their name brand products are very good.
I have the BJ's Mastercard, costs $75 but I get 5% cash back on store purchases and 2% cash back on other purchases and 15 cents/gal off in gas.
In the last 12 months I have Redeemed $925 in cash back, saved $113 in gas, $232 in coupons and $752 in member savings.
This month I have over $57 in cash back rewards.
I wonder if it is regional. We have been a Sam's member for what seems like 30 years and signed up for Costco in the past several months.
For us it is the exact opposite. The biggest thing I wish Costco had that Sam's does have, is curb side pickup. And I won't pay the extra fees for Instacart delivery.
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