Once upon a time, I got tricked into getting a BJ’s Wholesale Club membership. Okay, that may not be entirely true, but I went into BJ’s without intending to actually become a member. Unfortunately, I’d misplaced the free trial membership coupon–I still have no idea where I put it, but it was no longer attached to the rest of the trial membership flyer. And then they were running a special for new members. So, I signed up.
I hadn’t planned on signing up because I didn’t think BJ’s was for me. Ever since a store opened near us last fall I’d been interested in checking it out, but I didn’t think there’d be much I’d want to purchase. I’m trying to minimize processed foods, we’re a two-person household, I have a source for local produce, and I generally don’t need to do more shopping. Plus it’s an extra trip out of town for us.
But I signed up. And I pretty much started falling in love immediately. There were far more items that I use regularly available than I’d expected. In some cases, buying items in bulk creates less packaging waste, which I appreciate. In addition to my frequently purchased items listed below, I’m intrigued by their selection of organic produce and the possibilities their shelves hold for any events or parties that may occur in the future. I also love the fact that BJ’s mails out coupon books with great deals on a monthly basis and accepts manufactures and internet coupons on top of their coupons. As a result, I’ve been able to get some really good deals on things we were usually all the time anyway.
My Frequently Purchased Items at BJ’s
Cereal (which Brian goes through at astounding rates)
Cracker Barrel cheese
Sorrento mozzarella cheese (which I go through at astounding rates)
Organic quinoa
Polaner All-Fruit Spread
Tollhouse chocolate chips
sugar
all-purpose flour
nuts (for snacking and baking)
Food Should Taste Good chips
Chobani yogurt (both large and single serving containers)
body wash
contact lens solution
allergy medication
gasoline (which averages 10 cents cheaper than local gas stations)
Since part of the new member deal was a 14 month membership, we still have a year left. It remains to be seen whether we’ll renew. I think we’re saving money (it’s pretty much paid for itself in gas already) and it’s been pretty easy to pick up items because we’ve been making a lot of trips in the direction of BJ’s. I’m interested to see what happens with the convenience of our trips once school starts up again. Overall though I’ve been pretty impressed with how their stock matches my food preferences.
