SHOPPERS are slamming a grocery chain and Costco rival for increasing its prices.
BJ’s Wholesale is a membership-only warehouse club, similar to Costco or Sam’s Club, where shoppers can find everyday items for a cheaper price.
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The warehouse club sells groceries, electronics, and other essentials.
However, one shopper revealed that the cheaper prices are long gone.
The frustrated member wrote on X, sharing that the recent times they’ve gone into the store, prices have either gone up or regularly stocked items are out.
“BJs is a big ripoff! Many items [are] not in stock all the time! Prices are ridiculous!”
Read More on grocery shopping
The shopper went on to say that bread prices have specifically increased and are now higher than the standard grocery store.
“Generic bread – two loaves for $4.99 when at stores you can get one for about $1.40!”
The U.S. Sun checked a store in New Jersey where BJ’s branded bread was $3.49.
Another factor the member noted were stores not being stocked – sometimes for weeks.
“Items out of stock you can have shipped for $8.99 or in other stores but out for weeks in my local store!”
BJ’s wrote back to the customer on X defending its pricing.
“We would like to clarify that our products are always priced lower than regular prices at other stores. Our prices are consistently low and can occasionally drop even lower with coupon or rebate offers.”
The chain went on to add that members can save up to 25% off supercenter and grocery store prices.
CLUB CARD
The new year brought new membership increases.
These are the first increases to BJ’s membership fees in seven years.
Shoppers can choose from two membership types from BJ’s Wholesale Club.
The Club Card Membership costs $60 per year while the Club+ Card Membership is priced at $120 per year.
Both memberships offer perks to its shoppers however, the Club+ does provide more.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
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Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership: $130 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club Membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here
Target:
- Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
Club Card Membership
- Access to exclusive deals
- Free curbside pickup on orders over $50
Club+ Card Membership
- 2% back in rewards on most purchases
- 5 cents off per gallon at BJ’s Gas
- Free curbside pickup on all orders
- Exclusive event access
- Rewards that never expire
For a limited time, shoppers may be able to score a one-year BJ’s Wholesale Club membership for just $20.
Costco has also made a controversial change to its food court.
