BJ’s Wholesale Club follows Sam’s Club with new membership offer as shoppers say Costco prices are ‘too high’

SHOPPERS have spotted a new offer from BJ’s Wholesale that appears to be following Sam’s Club’s lead.

By agreeing on registration fees, the retailer is trying to win back customers who had previously canceled their membership.

A former member at BJ’s who decided to return claimed he only had to pay $25 per year.

According to BJ’s website, standard Clubcard membership for new customers typically costs $55 per year.

Benefits include merchandise discounts of up to 25%, combined coupon opportunities, gas discounts, curbside pickup, same-day delivery, and a free additional membership.

Buyers can also add additional members for an additional charge of $30 per time.

Club+ Card membership costs $110 per year and offers additional benefits and perks, including 2-3x rewards back, rewards that don’t expire, and 2% back on most purchases.

However, the former member claimed he was able to renew his membership for less than half the price using coupons mailed to him by BJ’s Wholesale.

SWEET SAVINGS

They quickly accepted the offer after noticing Costco’s membership fees, which they felt were “too high.”

“I was thinking about renewing my Costco membership but the price is too high so I went to BJ’s for $25 and got a new membership…” shopper Jim wrote in a post on Facebook this month.

Jim said the total cost of his annual Costco membership was about $63 including taxes, making it an easy decision for him.

“Goodbye, Costco, hello, BJ’s,” he said.

Jim added that the mail-in coupon was the deciding factor and Costco “doesn’t do that.”

SAM’S FIRST

Sam’s Club, on the other hand, did something similar as part of a recent promotion.

At the end of May, the wholesaler offered 50% off the basic membership at the same price of $25.

The promotion ran until the 31st of the month and the price of Plus membership was reduced from $110 to $70.

It is unclear whether this also applies to the current offer at BJ’s Wholesale.

Unlike BJ’s, the Sam’s Club offer was only available to new members.

Costco membership prices remain the same at $60 per year for Gold Star membership and $120 for Executive membership.

While some buyers like Jim have mentioned the cost of membership, others have mentioned the prices of goods.

One member recently said he was leaving Costco after 20 years and switching to Sam’s Club because some items were too expensive.

Another claimed he was overcharged by about $2,000 and urged others to “check” their receipts thoroughly.