storewanderer wrote: ↑February 7th, 2018, 8:49 pm
BJ's stores look a little different than a usual warehouse. I've never been in one but I see what look like service delis with slice to order lunchmeat, more bulk produce, and even some things like bulk bagels in a bakery?
If they are more grocery focused I can see why they may be having problems. Their stores look quite a bit like Sam's Club in my area; quite spacious. Nothing like Costco which is not very spacious and very packed with merchandise at every angle, stacked high.
BJ's to me always seems like a 'mini Costco/Sam's'. The stores are generally smaller, and funny you mention the Deli/Bakery bagels (you select them yourself so you can mix and match varieties), as these are the only few reasons why I occasionally shop there (and sometimes their monthly sale ad has better deals than Costco on similar products). Packages are usually smaller than Costco/Sam's for certain items, and you can buy single loaves of bread, etc. (at least as of a few years ago). They seem to generally be more food focused. Unfortunately, the quality and presentation of their prepared foods and meat is nowhere near Costco's. The produce at BJ's is merchandised more like a traditional supermarket vs. pallets and a walk in cooler that Costco/Sam's use. BJ's also takes manufacturers coupons, but even if using coupons, I've found Costco typically still has better prices. They also rely heavy on self-checkouts that are usually kind of wonky. Otherwise, most have gas stations/tire centers (for a short while, they partnered with Monro Muffler/Brake and offered additional services, but that seems to have ended as well) like the other two.
And the Costco's near me are very spacious, but they are generally newer stores in my area of PA. However unlike BJ's, they are usually packed with people all the time which probably makes them not feel as spacious.
BJ's seems to hold its own, especially since they try to stick away from opening stores right on top of a competitor.