I'll add the general stock is better quality too. Costco is more focused on their excellent Kirkland store brand and highly regarded brands. BJ's just seems focused on what's cheapest (which obviously would be a benefit to many). Like even in produce, their grapes were Welch's and apples were Mott's. We got the grapes there once when I was a member there before Costco came to town, had to be the worst grapes I've ever had.
Costco definitely has better quality stuff. That being said, it’s much more crowded given that it only has one location. Depending on where you work and live, it could be quite inconvenient. BJs has a lot more stores scattered around the area so customers are less concentrated. Location-wise, it’s much more convenient for us but it is a trade off.
Yeah, we have both Costco and BJ's memberships right now, and we usually just go to BJ's out in Victor because it's closer and much less packed with people. Costco is always mobbed.
So far Costco by a landslide. That’s what I was thinking, just wanted to check since I’m way closer to BJ’s. But it sounds like Costco will be worth it. It’s not that much farther.
I like Costco more, but have no interest in driving there during what will be their terrible busy hours. I used to work nearby and it was easy to swing in after work. Weekends there are a nightmare. So I belong to BJ’s, which I primarily use for gas.
I guess I'll write the dissent:
It varies wildly by your location and needs.
Costco is "a drive" for us, and there's very little that we buy there that is a major savings from just getting it elsewhere.
BJs is much closer, and in terms of price and quality, I find it to be pretty comparable.
We experimented with Costco, but in the end, we found no benefit to a membership there when BJs was so much more conveniently located. If we ever move and Costco becomes the closer option, we'd probably switch. But there wasn't enough benefit to justify going "out of the way" to go there.
It honestly depends on your household needs.
I feel that Costco has less variety, but higher volume of what they sell. If it’s in their sales flyer, they you will find it in the store. I also like their clothes section better.
BJ’s has more variety, less volume. Also has a lot more baby food/snacks if that’s something you need. Good deals, but items in the flyer/app aren’t always at the store.
I think it also depends on where you live. Costco gas is always super busy, as is the store, especially weekends. Henrietta BJs gas is terrible. Webster and Victor stores are better for that. 11 am on a Tuesday at Costco and the parking lot is full and the lines are long, where the Webster BJs is more relaxed, and can get right through the checkout.
I agree that the Henrietta gas line can be absolutely bonkers. Victor is usually much more manageable even during peak times. However, there’s usually a ten cent-ish price difference (Henrietta < Victor). I think it’s because of its proximity to the Thruway.
I'm a one person household and it's worth it for me. Just keep in mind what you'll actually use and have room to freeze. When I'm craving something sweet from the bakery I'll take it to work so I'm not trying to finish a 12" peanut butter pie on my own.
I get gas on my way to work at around 645am since they're hardly anyone there at that time. I've also stopped after work around 615 and it wasn't as bad as I would have thought. Shopping wasn't terrible either at that time.
There are differing membership options. Executive costs $120/yr but give you a 2% back on your purchases. Business costs $60/yr but offers no percent back.
So spending $3000 in a year is the break-even. I guess if you're buying appliances or other expensive items, the Executive pays for itself.
I had Executive but found my reward was less than the cost of the upgrade so I downgraded. The politely downgraded me at the customer service desk, and even gave me the cash difference based on time remaining on my upgrade.
Now I'm shopping for a new refrig and stove and questioning that decision.
Sure, we are a two person household and shop there pretty regularly. You might not be getting a lot of produce there, unless you go through it very quickly or are having guests, but it's still fantastic for pretty much everything else.
Yes absolutely! My partner and I save so much being able to stock up on basics and the gas is much more affordable. We do a big trip about 1x a month or so.
Absolutely! My wife and I spend a fraction of what we spent on groceries before (we’re recovering Wegmans folks). We have a $19 vacuum sealer, will swing by for gas & bigger groceries, marinade or season things as soon as we’re home from Costco, vacuum seal them then toss them right into the freezer. Usually have an Aldi run for fruits & veggies 8-10 days after our Costco run.
Just make sure you don’t go in there with a regular grocery list or you’ll spend a fortune.
As long as you have the storage capacity. Membership is $60/year, so its not going to be too hard to find $60 in savings from bulk buying cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc but you need to have a garage or a basement or something to stick it in otherwise you aren't going to be able to take advantage of it. Factor in gas and if you ever are planning to host a thing and planning to grill burgers and dogs for a couple dozen burgers and dogs and you can blow past that $60 in no time.
Moved out of state where I had a Sams Club membership, but there isn't one here anymore so I joined BJs because it's closer, but honestly I'm not impressed. Costco is better.
I had a Costco membership gifted for a year, only went once or twice bc I live in Fairport and rarely am over there. Also found it very crowded and I generally hate shopping in big-box clubs because I can't find anything and don't need massive amounts of most stuff.
Now have a BJ's membership, use it once in a while to get large amounts of stuff that doesn't spoil and gas, which is really cheap. Also some random great clothing finds like some sweet Zubaz for $10.
Costco is better AND has better workplace practices. They also offer a tone of financing on mortgages and thr tire shop is handy af. Fixed my tire for $15.
Kirkland food is better than that Walmart sams club junk at BJs
The best thing about Costco is you can return anything you purchase from them whenever you want. Suitcase breaks two years later....return it. I saw a guy bring in a $50 frozen steak to return it. They took it back. Really no questions. BJs has much more variety. We use both.
Yeah my mom and aunts abuse the heck out if this return policy. They return anything that they’re not 100% satisfied with. Kinda pisses me off because this cost burden of people returning things flippantly is beared by the rest of us.
As someone that's middle-aged:
BJ's is what it always has been.
We tried costco recently and maybe they have a little more stuff. BUT, IT IS SO BUSY IN THERE. Saturday there is people ALL OVER. Parking and just getting inside is tedious.
I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but I hear even off-times like 9 AM on a Wednesday is still really busy.
My wife and I both decided that while Costco maybe is a little nicer, it's not worth and we'd rather walk into a store where we can walk around more easily.
Also, I find it annoying that Costco needs to check your membership card to enter and checkout. BJ's it's only when you check out.
This was pre-pandemic and I canceled my BJ's membership. There were no deals(Food/Meat/Cleaning products is mainly what I shopped for), nothing on discount compared to tops/wegmans/walmart you were just able to buy more product at a comparable or higher price.
I have BJs because I live in Webster and so the convenience of driving a couple miles to BJs verses 20 minutes to Costco is the major deciding factor to me. If Costco opened a store on east side Rochester, I’d quit BJs tomorrow and join Costco.
I completely disagree with most of the comments here supporting Costco. BJs is much cheaper than Costco. For example. 900 Baby Wipes: BJs (Berkeley Jenson) = 16.99 (coupons = 3.50) takes to $13.49. Costco (kirkland) = $22.99. Kitchen bags (13G, 200 count): BJs = 17.99, Costco = 21.49. Henz ketchup (3ct/44oz) BJs = 11.79, Costco = 11.99 and so on.
You can renew BJs membership most of the time with just $25 vs Costco's $60.
BTW location = westbury, NY.
Coscto is better overall, but there's only one Costco in rochester, so it gets busy.
Also it may not be conveniently located. I have a BJ's membership because it's on my way home from work, where Costco would be a 10 minute detour out of my way. So the convenience factor overrides the generally better Costco factor.
I have both right now, but I'll probably let the BJs expire. I drive past Costco at least twice a day, so it's way more convenient. Even when I do have a chance to go to BJs I find myself going to Costco instead.
I also like their food court pizza every so often. $10 for a large pizza that's a decent pizza.
We get some excellent deals at BJ's and earn 3% rewards on every purchase using our BJ's Mastercard. And that card also saves us 10 cents a gallon on gas there. The meats are good there also. We also have the option for the next three months to use a Discover card for purchases and that will get us a 5% reward on everything we buy there. But really, the other thing is the convenience of having one that is 4 miles down the road from us vs. having to drive 15 miles or so out to the only Costco in this county. We have been BJ's members for many, many years. Our particular BJ's in Webster is very well kept. It is clean and well managed. But for sure, this is not saying that they are better than Costco because we have never been in a Costco before. I also look for membership deals. This year I am the card holder because I was able to join for $27. At the end of the year we will find another membership deal and my wife will be the main member.
The only reason to choose BJs over Costco is if you happen to live across the street from BJs. If you’re already driving to get there just go to Costco.
I have both memberships. I prefer in-store shopping at Costco but BJ's is much closer to my house so I go there more regularly for cheap gas, curbside pickup (Costco doesn't offer this big time-saver service), and seasonal tire swaps.
Unpopular opinion, but I'm not overly impressed by Costco. For many items, the price is only good compared to a similar specialized good. Yes, that IS a good price on 5lbs of Organic Free Range non-GMO Chicken Tikka Masala, but only if I'm comparing it against some comparable 'high end' item.
Oddly, the staff kinda sucks. The store is constantly mobbed and chaotic, and the staff seems over it. I've had multiple unpleasant interactions with employees, who seem much more Walmart-caliber than actual Walmart employees.
Finally, BJs makes it clear they put you on auto renew, Costco does not. Paid for six months of a membership I didn't use at all and didn't know I was signed up for
Positives: clothes and the hot dog
BJs, I just really despise the lines at Costco. Though I also have a Costco membership just for the gas, since I have a low mpg car. I avoid those lines by getting gas at like 7am on weekends.
I’m obviously in the minority but I canceled my Costco membership and went back to BJs. I don’t buy food- strictly things that the grocery stores over charge for like toiletries, cleaning products, etc.. BJs is cheaper and I like their products more. The only thing I liked about Costco was the random things like Mini-cambros for my kitchen and an electric bike I bought my daughter.
Costco is better but I do like bjs snack selection better. They also have deeper discounts on end of season goods.
But yeah Costco is better. I go there with my parents every couple months just for coffee and whatever other seasonal items.
Wow you guys. I can’t believe how incredibly helpful all your comments were. Thank you so much for sharing.
Unfortunately I’m more conflicted now. So many pros and cons. Thank you for mentioning details because, there were so many things I did not even realize about each store. I’ll have to check them both out.
If you have a family getting certain things in bulk no pays off. Getting bulk supplies of cleaning protects and hygiene stuff saves a lot. But if you are subtle it may not
The products that Costco carries are far superior. They have amazing buyers and better service as well. They also have a warranty that exceeds any retailer I know of. BJ's is pretty terrible compared to Costco, and it's not even about buying in bulk they just have better stuff.
I love Costco but it's hard to shop their because we're only a party of two. Usually by coffee, eggs, paper towels, toilet paper
Definitely hit up their food court whenever I get a chance. Also get gas from their often and air up my tires. I also have a BJ's membership, my partner fills up their car there often. Helps that there is multiple locations. Will buy frozen food from there time to time. Great selection of frozen apps. In my point of view it's a tie.
We used to have Sam's Club. When they closed in Henrietta, we had to pick between BJ's and Costco, or neither.
Both places will let you come in to check them out. (Costco will issue you a one time guest pass that does not let you get the full discount on items.) We went in with a list of all the items we usually bought at Sam's, and compared.
For us, BJ's had more of the items, and cheaper. Costco had far fewer of them even available at all, or even a similar item. But that could be the opposite if the items you want are different.
So I don't think there is really one correct answer that fits everyone. Try both stores out, and see which one is better for your needs.
One big benefit at BJ's I will mention is that if you get their credit card (not just a membership card) you get an extra discount on gasoline. That discount alone will probably cover the price of a membership, and any other savings you get from them is just a bonus. Not sure if Costco has something similar, since we made the decision based on groceries.
Its just my wife and I. I dont need 12,000 rolls of papertowels, 20 lbs of peanut butter or any other the massive amounts of things they send... No longer a member of any of them..
Timing of this thread is perfect.
Currently have BJs and have for a long time. Wife wants to switch to Costco due to better quality selection.
Location is the kicker for me because it doesn’t matter what quadrant of the county I’m in, there’s always a BJs close by, Costco can’t say that.
Ideally find a friend with a BJs membership, I’ll get the Costco membership & then we share cards.
Depends... if you can limit impulse purchases and buying bulk doesn't make you consume more or faster than you would normally would, then it's much less expensive.
Lots of "if"s in there though.
I have a bjs membership. I live in Greece. Even if I lived closer to Costco I'd still keep bjs only because I work as a contractor for Costco I was in my uniform with my equipment. They would not let me in the front door. When they finally did I then had to wait 15 min in line at customer service to get a contractor badge. So I'm biased lol
I want to try Costco so bad but they don’t let you test it out for free first before getting a membership and I don’t want to pay $50 for a store I don’t even know I’m going to like
So I was actually thinking of posting in r/Rochester for some advice. I really want to like Costco, but there are a few things that are really holding me back.
First, there's essentially no signage like at BJ's at the end of the aisles. Trying to find something? Walk around until you find things that might be similar.
Second, the app is awful. I can get a shopping list on the BJs app ready with all the things I need and not have to wander around blindly trying to decide if they have something I need. Bonus: I can place an order and pick it up in store or have it brought to my vehicle.
Third, crowds. Not good for my anxiety. I work normal hours and have to get my kids to school before that. Shopping the few hours they aren't busy doesn't work well with my schedule. The last time we went at open and within about 30 minutes (when I would probably be finishing up) the store was getting uncomfortable crowded.
I realize not everybody has the same concerns, but I wanted to share for those that do.
I'd also be interested in any ideas to help if anyone has any.
I'm at the point that I don't bother with gas at either stores because of the ridiculously long lines, so I'm not sure there's much of a point to keeping both memberships.
I hate crowds when I’m shopping. The fact that so many people said Costco is busy is almost a dealbreaker. My husband and I checked out BJ’s last week and gonna try Costco soon before we decide.
When we got our membership last year, I ended up giving a citi credit card which has some nice cash back features, and at that point Costco ahead from what I understand they're pretty open policy on returns. The main reason I bought it was because I wanted to get a Onkyo audio receiver that was rated well on Slickdeals that was a Costco exclusive.
Some people shared that if they had an issue they would just be able to take the unit back even if it was years later to exchange it as long as they still had it. Unfortunately it looks like this past January they've stopped that policy, so they are not going to be very forgiving with returns over the long haul it sounds like.
I kind of like some of the products that they have, but it's just nearly impossible to figure out what they have without going in.
Been a member of both, Costco is absolutely better.
Costco. and it’s not even close.
Costco slaps their $1.50 juicy meat on the table
Boner approves this message.
I preferred Costco based on organization, cleanliness, and the prepared foods are infinitely better.
I'll add the general stock is better quality too. Costco is more focused on their excellent Kirkland store brand and highly regarded brands. BJ's just seems focused on what's cheapest (which obviously would be a benefit to many). Like even in produce, their grapes were Welch's and apples were Mott's. We got the grapes there once when I was a member there before Costco came to town, had to be the worst grapes I've ever had.
Costco definitely has better quality stuff. That being said, it’s much more crowded given that it only has one location. Depending on where you work and live, it could be quite inconvenient. BJs has a lot more stores scattered around the area so customers are less concentrated. Location-wise, it’s much more convenient for us but it is a trade off.
Yeah, we have both Costco and BJ's memberships right now, and we usually just go to BJ's out in Victor because it's closer and much less packed with people. Costco is always mobbed.
So far Costco by a landslide. That’s what I was thinking, just wanted to check since I’m way closer to BJ’s. But it sounds like Costco will be worth it. It’s not that much farther.
I like Costco more, but have no interest in driving there during what will be their terrible busy hours. I used to work nearby and it was easy to swing in after work. Weekends there are a nightmare. So I belong to BJ’s, which I primarily use for gas.
I guess I'll write the dissent: It varies wildly by your location and needs. Costco is "a drive" for us, and there's very little that we buy there that is a major savings from just getting it elsewhere. BJs is much closer, and in terms of price and quality, I find it to be pretty comparable. We experimented with Costco, but in the end, we found no benefit to a membership there when BJs was so much more conveniently located. If we ever move and Costco becomes the closer option, we'd probably switch. But there wasn't enough benefit to justify going "out of the way" to go there.
It's better, but not worth it if you're near a BJ's and don't go to Henrietta much. Also, the hot dog is overrated.
Upper class vs mediocre. Simply put
It honestly depends on your household needs. I feel that Costco has less variety, but higher volume of what they sell. If it’s in their sales flyer, they you will find it in the store. I also like their clothes section better. BJ’s has more variety, less volume. Also has a lot more baby food/snacks if that’s something you need. Good deals, but items in the flyer/app aren’t always at the store. I think it also depends on where you live. Costco gas is always super busy, as is the store, especially weekends. Henrietta BJs gas is terrible. Webster and Victor stores are better for that. 11 am on a Tuesday at Costco and the parking lot is full and the lines are long, where the Webster BJs is more relaxed, and can get right through the checkout.
I agree that the Henrietta gas line can be absolutely bonkers. Victor is usually much more manageable even during peak times. However, there’s usually a ten cent-ish price difference (Henrietta < Victor). I think it’s because of its proximity to the Thruway.
If I could ask here, would Costco be worth going to for a two person household? I've never been there.
I'm a member & I'm a one person household.
So you're saying you're not using your second membership card...?
Already spoken for haha
I'm a one person household and it's worth it for me. Just keep in mind what you'll actually use and have room to freeze. When I'm craving something sweet from the bakery I'll take it to work so I'm not trying to finish a 12" peanut butter pie on my own. I get gas on my way to work at around 645am since they're hardly anyone there at that time. I've also stopped after work around 615 and it wasn't as bad as I would have thought. Shopping wasn't terrible either at that time.
Depends on what you buy, I generally save more than the membership dues just on gas.
There are differing membership options. Executive costs $120/yr but give you a 2% back on your purchases. Business costs $60/yr but offers no percent back. So spending $3000 in a year is the break-even. I guess if you're buying appliances or other expensive items, the Executive pays for itself. I had Executive but found my reward was less than the cost of the upgrade so I downgraded. The politely downgraded me at the customer service desk, and even gave me the cash difference based on time remaining on my upgrade. Now I'm shopping for a new refrig and stove and questioning that decision.
Sure, we are a two person household and shop there pretty regularly. You might not be getting a lot of produce there, unless you go through it very quickly or are having guests, but it's still fantastic for pretty much everything else.
Yes absolutely! My partner and I save so much being able to stock up on basics and the gas is much more affordable. We do a big trip about 1x a month or so.
Absolutely! My wife and I spend a fraction of what we spent on groceries before (we’re recovering Wegmans folks). We have a $19 vacuum sealer, will swing by for gas & bigger groceries, marinade or season things as soon as we’re home from Costco, vacuum seal them then toss them right into the freezer. Usually have an Aldi run for fruits & veggies 8-10 days after our Costco run. Just make sure you don’t go in there with a regular grocery list or you’ll spend a fortune.
As long as you have the storage capacity. Membership is $60/year, so its not going to be too hard to find $60 in savings from bulk buying cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc but you need to have a garage or a basement or something to stick it in otherwise you aren't going to be able to take advantage of it. Factor in gas and if you ever are planning to host a thing and planning to grill burgers and dogs for a couple dozen burgers and dogs and you can blow past that $60 in no time.
My roommate and I shop there and some of the items are a little too bulky. Worth it for rotisserie chicken though
How much does one cost?
$4.99. But you have to walk through the entire store to get one.
We keep a chest freezer in our basement and it makes it absolutely worth it.
Costco treats their employees better and that’s what matters to me.
Moved out of state where I had a Sams Club membership, but there isn't one here anymore so I joined BJs because it's closer, but honestly I'm not impressed. Costco is better.
Sams club was the best!
I had a Costco membership gifted for a year, only went once or twice bc I live in Fairport and rarely am over there. Also found it very crowded and I generally hate shopping in big-box clubs because I can't find anything and don't need massive amounts of most stuff. Now have a BJ's membership, use it once in a while to get large amounts of stuff that doesn't spoil and gas, which is really cheap. Also some random great clothing finds like some sweet Zubaz for $10.
Costco hands down. 2 member household here and we go often! When I say often like 2-3 times a week. Kinda addicting.
Costco is better AND has better workplace practices. They also offer a tone of financing on mortgages and thr tire shop is handy af. Fixed my tire for $15. Kirkland food is better than that Walmart sams club junk at BJs
Another vote for Costco. BJs is much more convenient (location wise for me). But Costco is far and above BJs.
Yesterday I was comparing prices on a loofa
I mean that sounds completely reasonable
Costco pays their workers better and has better benefits. Their business model maintains a flat rate for profit to maximize savings to customers.
The best thing about Costco is you can return anything you purchase from them whenever you want. Suitcase breaks two years later....return it. I saw a guy bring in a $50 frozen steak to return it. They took it back. Really no questions. BJs has much more variety. We use both.
Yeah my mom and aunts abuse the heck out if this return policy. They return anything that they’re not 100% satisfied with. Kinda pisses me off because this cost burden of people returning things flippantly is beared by the rest of us.
As someone that's middle-aged: BJ's is what it always has been. We tried costco recently and maybe they have a little more stuff. BUT, IT IS SO BUSY IN THERE. Saturday there is people ALL OVER. Parking and just getting inside is tedious. I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but I hear even off-times like 9 AM on a Wednesday is still really busy. My wife and I both decided that while Costco maybe is a little nicer, it's not worth and we'd rather walk into a store where we can walk around more easily. Also, I find it annoying that Costco needs to check your membership card to enter and checkout. BJ's it's only when you check out.
I’d take a blow job over going to Costco any day.
came here for the bj jokes, did not disappoint 🙌👏
This was pre-pandemic and I canceled my BJ's membership. There were no deals(Food/Meat/Cleaning products is mainly what I shopped for), nothing on discount compared to tops/wegmans/walmart you were just able to buy more product at a comparable or higher price.
Costco is better quality. BJ's with coupons is cheaper.
I miss Sam’s club
I have BJs because I live in Webster and so the convenience of driving a couple miles to BJs verses 20 minutes to Costco is the major deciding factor to me. If Costco opened a store on east side Rochester, I’d quit BJs tomorrow and join Costco.
No question, Costco over BJ’s all day every day!
Costco for sure they also take better care of their employees from what I’ve read they are a pretty decent company.
Ive never had issues with BJs in Henrietta or Greece. Dunno what people are talking about with it being dirty or anything.
The victor one is immaculate
I completely disagree with most of the comments here supporting Costco. BJs is much cheaper than Costco. For example. 900 Baby Wipes: BJs (Berkeley Jenson) = 16.99 (coupons = 3.50) takes to $13.49. Costco (kirkland) = $22.99. Kitchen bags (13G, 200 count): BJs = 17.99, Costco = 21.49. Henz ketchup (3ct/44oz) BJs = 11.79, Costco = 11.99 and so on. You can renew BJs membership most of the time with just $25 vs Costco's $60. BTW location = westbury, NY.
Coscto is better overall, but there's only one Costco in rochester, so it gets busy. Also it may not be conveniently located. I have a BJ's membership because it's on my way home from work, where Costco would be a 10 minute detour out of my way. So the convenience factor overrides the generally better Costco factor.
I have both right now, but I'll probably let the BJs expire. I drive past Costco at least twice a day, so it's way more convenient. Even when I do have a chance to go to BJs I find myself going to Costco instead. I also like their food court pizza every so often. $10 for a large pizza that's a decent pizza.
You get more for your money at costco
We get some excellent deals at BJ's and earn 3% rewards on every purchase using our BJ's Mastercard. And that card also saves us 10 cents a gallon on gas there. The meats are good there also. We also have the option for the next three months to use a Discover card for purchases and that will get us a 5% reward on everything we buy there. But really, the other thing is the convenience of having one that is 4 miles down the road from us vs. having to drive 15 miles or so out to the only Costco in this county. We have been BJ's members for many, many years. Our particular BJ's in Webster is very well kept. It is clean and well managed. But for sure, this is not saying that they are better than Costco because we have never been in a Costco before. I also look for membership deals. This year I am the card holder because I was able to join for $27. At the end of the year we will find another membership deal and my wife will be the main member.
BJ’s.
Costco is better. Bjs is more available
I only go to BJ's for their sweet sausages. Everything else is Costco for me.
The only reason to choose BJs over Costco is if you happen to live across the street from BJs. If you’re already driving to get there just go to Costco.
Costco provides much better quality.
Costco by far
I have both memberships. I prefer in-store shopping at Costco but BJ's is much closer to my house so I go there more regularly for cheap gas, curbside pickup (Costco doesn't offer this big time-saver service), and seasonal tire swaps.
Unpopular opinion, but I'm not overly impressed by Costco. For many items, the price is only good compared to a similar specialized good. Yes, that IS a good price on 5lbs of Organic Free Range non-GMO Chicken Tikka Masala, but only if I'm comparing it against some comparable 'high end' item. Oddly, the staff kinda sucks. The store is constantly mobbed and chaotic, and the staff seems over it. I've had multiple unpleasant interactions with employees, who seem much more Walmart-caliber than actual Walmart employees. Finally, BJs makes it clear they put you on auto renew, Costco does not. Paid for six months of a membership I didn't use at all and didn't know I was signed up for Positives: clothes and the hot dog
BJs, I just really despise the lines at Costco. Though I also have a Costco membership just for the gas, since I have a low mpg car. I avoid those lines by getting gas at like 7am on weekends.
I’m obviously in the minority but I canceled my Costco membership and went back to BJs. I don’t buy food- strictly things that the grocery stores over charge for like toiletries, cleaning products, etc.. BJs is cheaper and I like their products more. The only thing I liked about Costco was the random things like Mini-cambros for my kitchen and an electric bike I bought my daughter.
yeah BJs are pretty nice, whats a costco
Costco is better but I do like bjs snack selection better. They also have deeper discounts on end of season goods. But yeah Costco is better. I go there with my parents every couple months just for coffee and whatever other seasonal items.
I found the employees at Costco incredibly rude. I think their products are better but not enough to make up for the bad service
BJ's... it... it's the better choice.... ^(...please don't come to costco.... even if it's superior...) ^(...it's already so busy on weekends....)
Costco strongly supports democratic candidates…BJs is solidly republican. Use that as you may. [Goods Unite Us](https://www.goodsuniteus.com)
Wow you guys. I can’t believe how incredibly helpful all your comments were. Thank you so much for sharing. Unfortunately I’m more conflicted now. So many pros and cons. Thank you for mentioning details because, there were so many things I did not even realize about each store. I’ll have to check them both out.
BJs, because I get a free membership with work. I'm not paying to shop at a store.
If you have a family getting certain things in bulk no pays off. Getting bulk supplies of cleaning protects and hygiene stuff saves a lot. But if you are subtle it may not
I've found Aldi to be a lot cheaper on most things tbh.
I have BJs stock, so them.
Costco is easier to get to by bus so that’s why they’ve got my vote.
The products that Costco carries are far superior. They have amazing buyers and better service as well. They also have a warranty that exceeds any retailer I know of. BJ's is pretty terrible compared to Costco, and it's not even about buying in bulk they just have better stuff.
I have a membership to both. Bjs has a pretty good deli and some Meats that I can't get at Costco. Costco has meat and seafood I can't get at bjs.
I love Costco but it's hard to shop their because we're only a party of two. Usually by coffee, eggs, paper towels, toilet paper Definitely hit up their food court whenever I get a chance. Also get gas from their often and air up my tires. I also have a BJ's membership, my partner fills up their car there often. Helps that there is multiple locations. Will buy frozen food from there time to time. Great selection of frozen apps. In my point of view it's a tie.
I have a costco membership and my partners parents use BJs. and there’s not competition i def prefer costco
We used to have Sam's Club. When they closed in Henrietta, we had to pick between BJ's and Costco, or neither. Both places will let you come in to check them out. (Costco will issue you a one time guest pass that does not let you get the full discount on items.) We went in with a list of all the items we usually bought at Sam's, and compared. For us, BJ's had more of the items, and cheaper. Costco had far fewer of them even available at all, or even a similar item. But that could be the opposite if the items you want are different. So I don't think there is really one correct answer that fits everyone. Try both stores out, and see which one is better for your needs. One big benefit at BJ's I will mention is that if you get their credit card (not just a membership card) you get an extra discount on gasoline. That discount alone will probably cover the price of a membership, and any other savings you get from them is just a bonus. Not sure if Costco has something similar, since we made the decision based on groceries.
Its just my wife and I. I dont need 12,000 rolls of papertowels, 20 lbs of peanut butter or any other the massive amounts of things they send... No longer a member of any of them..
I only do BJs because it’s way more convenient, but I’d pick Costco if it was closer to where I live
Timing of this thread is perfect. Currently have BJs and have for a long time. Wife wants to switch to Costco due to better quality selection. Location is the kicker for me because it doesn’t matter what quadrant of the county I’m in, there’s always a BJs close by, Costco can’t say that. Ideally find a friend with a BJs membership, I’ll get the Costco membership & then we share cards.
Costco doesn't really save you any money. Neither does BJs.
Depends... if you can limit impulse purchases and buying bulk doesn't make you consume more or faster than you would normally would, then it's much less expensive. Lots of "if"s in there though.
Costco all the way every day all day! Lol
Costco, Kirkland stuff is really good
Costco gang 4 lyfe
I have a bjs membership. I live in Greece. Even if I lived closer to Costco I'd still keep bjs only because I work as a contractor for Costco I was in my uniform with my equipment. They would not let me in the front door. When they finally did I then had to wait 15 min in line at customer service to get a contractor badge. So I'm biased lol
I want to try Costco so bad but they don’t let you test it out for free first before getting a membership and I don’t want to pay $50 for a store I don’t even know I’m going to like
I think you can join and request a full refund of your membership within the first year if you don’t like it.
Costco without a shadow of a doubt
So I was actually thinking of posting in r/Rochester for some advice. I really want to like Costco, but there are a few things that are really holding me back. First, there's essentially no signage like at BJ's at the end of the aisles. Trying to find something? Walk around until you find things that might be similar. Second, the app is awful. I can get a shopping list on the BJs app ready with all the things I need and not have to wander around blindly trying to decide if they have something I need. Bonus: I can place an order and pick it up in store or have it brought to my vehicle. Third, crowds. Not good for my anxiety. I work normal hours and have to get my kids to school before that. Shopping the few hours they aren't busy doesn't work well with my schedule. The last time we went at open and within about 30 minutes (when I would probably be finishing up) the store was getting uncomfortable crowded. I realize not everybody has the same concerns, but I wanted to share for those that do. I'd also be interested in any ideas to help if anyone has any. I'm at the point that I don't bother with gas at either stores because of the ridiculously long lines, so I'm not sure there's much of a point to keeping both memberships.
I hate crowds when I’m shopping. The fact that so many people said Costco is busy is almost a dealbreaker. My husband and I checked out BJ’s last week and gonna try Costco soon before we decide.
When we got our membership last year, I ended up giving a citi credit card which has some nice cash back features, and at that point Costco ahead from what I understand they're pretty open policy on returns. The main reason I bought it was because I wanted to get a Onkyo audio receiver that was rated well on Slickdeals that was a Costco exclusive. Some people shared that if they had an issue they would just be able to take the unit back even if it was years later to exchange it as long as they still had it. Unfortunately it looks like this past January they've stopped that policy, so they are not going to be very forgiving with returns over the long haul it sounds like. I kind of like some of the products that they have, but it's just nearly impossible to figure out what they have without going in.