sign up immediately for a discounted and extended (15 months) one year membership, we told her that we were not familiar with the store and wanted to use the two free months to get to know the place and to see if what they sold was what we wanted. She understood as she snapped my picture and handed my club membership card to me.

It took only the first visit for us

In the 1980s a phenomenon began to take hold in the retail industry: wholesale [or warehouse] clubs. These 'big box' retailers are dotting the American landscape and offer something beyond what the typical Wal-Mart, Target, or Kmart have: large packaged items at nicely discounted prices. Currently, Costco's, Sam's Club, and BJs dominate the market. Recently, my family joined BJ's and I will share with you why I think their business is a success story.

When we moved to the Raleigh, North Carolina area from New Jersey in 2004, we knew that the retail market -- including supermarkets and discount stores -- was strong. Within a two mile radius of where we live we counted at least a half a dozen supermarkets and each of the big three discounters, Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart, were present. Certainly, our choice of stores was in the abundant category.

Initially, little thought was given by us to joining a wholesale club, but a mailing received in our home from BJ's caught our attention. We knew that Sam's Club was also located in our town, while the closest Costco was in Durham -- a thirty minute trek. Thus, our consideration to join would have only been between BJ's and Sam's Club. So, what was the deciding factor? Two free months of introductory membership! Yes, we "fell" for it.

Within a day or two I took my family to the nearest BJ's, in Cary, and marched up to the help desk. Although the cheerful woman working behind the desk attempted to persuade us to sign up immediately for a discounted and extended (15 months) one year membership, we told her that we were not familiar with the store and wanted to use the two free months to get to know the place and to see if what they sold was what we wanted. She understood as she snapped my picture and handed my club membership card to me.

It took only the first visit for us t

ined BJ's and I will share with you why I think their business is a success story.

When we moved to the Raleigh, North Carolina area from New Jersey in 2004, we knew that the retail market -- including supermarkets and discount stores -- was strong. Within a two mile radius of where we live we counted at least a half a dozen supermarkets and each of the big three discounters, Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart, were present. Certainly, our choice of stores was in the abundant category.

Initially, little thought was given by us to joining a wholesale club, but a mailing received in our home from BJ's caught our attention. We knew that Sam's Club was also located in our town, while the closest Costco was in Durham -- a thirty minute trek. Thus, our consideration to join would have only been between BJ's and Sam's Club. So, what was the deciding factor? Two free months of introductory membership! Yes, we "fell" for it.

Within a day or two I took my family to the nearest BJ's, in Cary, and marched up to the help desk. Although the cheerful woman working behind the desk attempted to persuade us to sign up immediately for a discounted and extended (15 months) one year membership, we told her that we were not familiar with the store and wanted to use the two free months to get to know the place and to see if what they sold was what we wanted. She understood as she snapped my picture and handed my club membership card to me.

It took only the first visit for us

scounters, Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart, were present. Certainly, our choice of stores was in the abundant category.

Initially, little thought was given by us to joining a wholesale club, but a mailing received in our home from BJ's caught our attention. We knew that Sam's Club was also located in our town, while the closest Costco was in Durham -- a thirty minute trek. Thus, our consideration to join would have only been between BJ's and Sam's Club. So, what was the deciding factor? Two free months of introductory membership! Yes, we "fell" for it.

Within a day or two I took my family to the nearest BJ's, in Cary, and marched up to the help desk. Although the cheerful woman working behind the desk attempted to persuade us to sign up immediately for a discounted and extended (15 months) one year membership, we told her that we were not familiar with the store and wanted to use the two free months to get to know the place and to see if what they sold was what we wanted. She understood as she snapped my picture and handed my club membership card to me.

It took only the first visit for us

rek. Thus, our consideration to join would have only been between BJ's and Sam's Club. So, what was the deciding factor? Two free months of introductory membership! Yes, we "fell" for it.

Within a day or two I took my family to the nearest BJ's, in Cary, and marched up to the help desk. Although the cheerful woman working behind the desk attempted to persuade us to sign up immediately for a discounted and extended (15 months) one year membership, we told her that we were not familiar with the store and wanted to use the two free months to get to know the place and to see if what they sold was what we wanted. She understood as she snapped my picture and handed my club membership card to me.

It took only the first visit for us

sign up immediately for a discounted and extended (15 months) one year membership, we told her that we were not familiar with the store and wanted to use the two free months to get to know the place and to see if what they sold was what we wanted. She understood as she snapped my picture and handed my club membership card to me.

It took only the first visit for us to realize we liked BJ's. My wife and I joked at the colossal sizes of some of the items -- get a look at this five pound can of tuna! -- but, in the end, we found enough items suitable for our family -- particularly dry goods -- that we realized our membership would pay for itself within our first two visits.

If you are familiar with wholesale clubs, you know that they carry just about everything. BJ's is the same way and we were impressed by the variety and amount of items available. Additionally, BJs' own line of products -- Berkley and Jensen -- is a nice alternative for even greater savings. I purchased the “Men's Daily” vitamins and the price was approximately 30% lower than the name brand competitor. You can find the Berkley and Jensen name on a variety of products including gourmet foods, specialty imports, dry goods, clothing, cookware, etc.

There are many other areas in which you will save big at BJ's. Their selection of books is good and they carry many of the current bestsellers at prices that Barnes and Noble or Borders can only dream about. You can save plenty of money shopping their optical or automotive department –- I guess I won’t be going back to Jiffy Lube anymore – and I have noticed some great discounts on vacation packages. Our Cary club also has a gas station for members. Gas discounts generally run about ten cents per gallon and that quickly adds up especially in this day of elevated fuel prices. Not all BJ's have gas stations, but it