We got a free 2 month pass to BJ's (couldn't they think of a better name?) in the mail recently. I've never been to a Costco or BJ's or any of those buy in bulk stores. I've never wanted to spend money just to shop, especially when I didn't know what I could get. So, what am I going to find when I go? Are there fresh, unprepared foods available (cheaply) or it is all giant boxes of Rice-A-Roni?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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I like Costco better, I think of it as being the Target to BJ's Walmart if that makes sense.
Costco has some really nice gourmet items you won't find at BJ's, plus their culture and the way they treat their employees is top notch.
Crabapple: That's what my impression (without having actually been there) was. Thanks! Now if only Costco would offer me a free trial...
It's a real mix-- big boxes of Rice a Roni, but also 10 pound bags of flour and sugar and rice. We had a bag of rice so big that it required a zipper sewn into the bag. One lesson I've learned-- don't get a big package of something unless you know you like it (there's nothing worse than a giant package of a food you hate!). I also like the cheap books and DVDs.
It's a mix. You have a lot of prepared foods, but BJ's and Costco both (or at least the locations I've been to here in MD) have a nice selection of fresh fruits and vegetables too, and even some organic offerings. They also have various gourmet cheeses and things of that nature too and even oils and vinegars, but normally in much larger sizes than the conventional grocery stores. Then you have an array of electronics, kitchen gadgets, books, DVDs, CDs, etc.
Though Costco is my favorite, BJ's also has plenty of fresh produce and, at least at our local one, a very good butcher shop.
We got the free trial card in the mail too. We have done the free trials a couple of times in the past; we never actually join because it's totally not our kind of store. The best thing I got was a giant pack of Q-Tips. I might go and get some ibuprofen since we go through it really quickly. Also, gas is cheaper there, so try to time it with when you need a fill-up if you do decide to go.
I've never been to BJ's (barely even heard of it), but I love Costco; they have tons of unprepared fruits and veggies that I like to buy although some of them come in sizes too big for my little family of 3. They have fresh meat, poultry, and fish that I like to freeze, and tons of good cheese-oh and bakery items as well. Books (great cookbooks), video games, diapers, soaps, shampoos, gardening stuff, kids toys, cleaning supplies, office supplies, electronics, bulk food, and even a great section of flowers...
Costco is the best. They treat their workers fairly and sometimes, there are surprise deals around the store. I go there for staples like chicken broth (organic, free range), canned, diced tomatoes (about 4 bucks for a pack of 8), chicken, ground turkey, and ciabatta rolls (I freeze them). They also have nice produce at really good rates. It's worth the money you pay for the membership.
Thanks! I will keep Costco in mind if we decide we like the bulk buying experience. I've heard nothing but good things about.
Costco is where the food service industry gets their food... so consider that.
I have a BJ's membership and use it for bulk purchase on paper towels/TP/garbage bags/detergent etc... its great for that.
You can buy larger quantities of veggies and meat/poultry/fish as well. Although I prefer to get my produce local or through farmers markets.. it can be helpful for party preparations.
I think only little tiny mom and pop places get their food at costco... REAL food service places get it from regular wholesalers who deliver...like Sysco.
However, I'm sitting here with the free BJs card myself, which is how I found this website. I'm already a costco member and was wondering if it was worth the drive and the hassle to try BJs. My son really likes it, but then, he doesn't have a Costco card.
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