Do you shop at BJ's and if so how many times do you go

[mocha poka]

I'm looking to see how many of our members actually shop at BJ's. So if you have a membership please give a shout out here in this thread by stating you are a member and letting us know how many trips you make on average a month.

Thanks in advance for your help :Wave:.

[mocha poka]

So I'll start :)

I obviously have a membership, lol, and usually stop in 2-3x a week. My BJ's is on my work route so I feel compelled to stop in to see what's going on inside!

[too-old-now]

I have been rolling the free memberships for years. I go a few times per year, I can do much better elsewhere with triples and catalina overage.

I do like to go in and harvest coupons from BJ's - many competitors honor them.

[mocha poka]

I buy our milk and a few other staples there. I can get a comparable deal to using coupons at a regular store for more than a few things. We don't get many triples here and the ones we do get are horrible (see the Ingles coupon policy, lol!).

I agree that using the coupons at a regular store is the way to go. Our Publix accepts them and there are always good deals to be found. Unfortunately it seems that the last few months the BJs here is not putting out their coupons :( I'm not finding them like I use to.

[mfaust]

I used to go all the time, but since couponing here, I rarely go unless for eggs or other items I can't get as cheap elsewhere.

[ArmyOfFive]

I go 1-2X a month. I like that you can use multiple couples on multi-packs of things. I got Hubba a years' worth of razors for $10 a couple of months ago. YAY! Like T.O.N.^^, I enjoy the samples, so do the boys! LOL

[couponfanatic]

Couldn't live w/o my membership.
I only use pantrene conditioner, and w/ q's (stack mfr. w/ store) it's reliably the cheapeset around. what I save on that alone a year pays for the membership.
Not-so-well-known (but better here than average)
Yes, you CAN stack mfr, 's w/ BJs Qs
AND if it is a multipack, you can use as many mfr. qs as there are items in the pack.
i.e. a 2 pk of lysol wipes, use 1 Bjs Q + 2 ea. $1/1 Qs.

[billig]

I don't know what a BJ's is...when I see it on HCW all I think is *low *ob.

:rolleyes24:

[too-old-now]

I don't know what a BJ's is...when I see it on HCW all I think is *low *ob.

:rolleyes24:


I'm always thinking of that.

[rachel2007a]

I go about 2-3 times a month I guess. It is a bit of a drive to get there. I have had the membership for several years though because of the cheaper gas prices.
I did not know about stacking coupons there, will have to see where I can get some stuff at a bargain now!

[~Tricia~]

We go to BJ's about twice a month to buy diapers (I use coupons and with their prices plus coupons I can't get Huggies and Pampers Easy ups cheaper per diaper elsewhere), milk, canned veggies and laundry soap.... We also get our gas there b/c it's normally the cheapest...

[catnerd714]

My dh gets his gasoline there. Milk is a good deal too, what with the 2 year old drinking it all up, not to mention all the good cereal deals lately(I need all that milk to get rid of the cereal!!)

[Puffalapeno]

I pretty much only go for gas and to have film developed. Occasionally I'll go in to browse and see what they have, but for the most part I've been able to get things cheaper elsewhere.

[QponClippinQueen]

I go mostly for the gas and some other staple items I feel are cheaper like last year my DS's b-day cake was a half sheet Disney car cake in chocolate and cost me only $23 and change the local bakery wanted to charge me $74 plus additional to make it chocolate. So yeah that pretty much covered my fee that year!

[nermag]

We don't have a gas station here I wish we did, the local civic center shot it down. Too much car congestion at the intersection. I know that is a good thing but it would have been great for competitive pricing.

Our BJS is older so no prepared food like the chicken etc.

I love using BJS for diapers...I always stack coupons

But I too have seen less and less coupons in the store for products.

I get bottled water, meat sometimes, bisquick, syrup, the store brand fruit cups, canned chicken and turkey.


I have found my store to be very good at accepting coupons and internet coupons in multiples for multi packs and stacked with store coupons.

I just used a bjs coupon and manuf coupon to get a pur waterfilter saved 15 dollars!!

[cmw1009]

I go about once a month..sometimes twice... I was just there this morning picking up cat food and litter and some cards.. My niece is also a member but she goes about once every two weeks (she has a baby and thats where she buys the formula and diapers)

[TSUalum93]

I go once a month. I work full time and have a two year old. During the school year my job gets crazy. I love BJ's because I stock up on my sons favorite foods and can grab quickly to set him up for the day. The items I purchase regularly include:

*Cereal Bars (Nutragrain or Quaker - sometimes they have a coupon but the base price is the same)
*Easy Mac in packets (vs bowls) - My sons favorite food. He always asks for his cheese
*Chicken Nuggets - In the shape of dinosaurs
*Dole Fruit Cups
*Motts Applesauce (although I did stock up on a good sale on another brand a while ago)
*Quaker Oatmeal - the individual packets
*Chicken breasts in a can

When I start running low on diapers from deals I will, buy them there stacking store and manufactuers coupons.

I find their prices for milk and eggs to be the best.

Deli meat is comparable to sale prices at supermarkets but I love the quality.

Fresh beef and chicken products are very good. We don't buy beef often but when we do I buy it there.

I have a stockpile of disposable plates and cups but I buy a box or plastic cutlery (forks, knives and spoons) there twice a year.

I like their fruit and veggie platters to take to parties. I can get produce more cheaply at a local place but the quality at BJs is very good.

We also bought our new tires there and my father in law put new windows into our building using my membership and saved thousands of dollars.

Maddy

[BasicLawnCare]

I go 2 times a month for gatorade and water. My hubby uses a lot doing lawns in the summer time. I hardly ever buy anything else. I do use the gas station though for cheaper gas.

[mocha poka]

Thanks for all your input! It's good to know that there are other members of the board who like to shop at BJ's :)

[Kaylasmommy]

I go all the time mostly for the meat department. The meat there is so much nicer and little to no fat on any of it and a few other things.

[marykayeoa]

I shop at BJ's occasionally. It's out of my way, and since Bi-Lo began the milk tokens, I've only been there once. Had I realized Costco would have been finished in August, I would have held on to my membership that expired in June. The gas is not always cheaper than the Racetrak near it, and usually Dodge's Store and Wal-Mart's Murphy have them beat, so I don't even use the gas unless I'm on that side of town. The milk was a good price, but that has gone up. The good thing is you can use the manufacturer's Q stacked against the BJ's Q. I prefer the chicken breast at ingles on sale for $1.99 lb. than the expensive Perdue individually wrapped that I picked up. Usually the tank of propane gas is cheaper, so if we need to exchange for a BBQ, then I usually go to Linen's & Things, BB&B, and BJ's so that the trip isn't wasted.

I'm sure if it was on my way to somewhere I'd be there a little more, but I just am not.

[bunicharmer]

It's not in my n-hood so we only go about once a month or less, but I love it. My fav things there are books, big multi-cut meat packs, and the selection of frozen entrees. BJ's has the BEST gift ideas during the holidays!

[MariaT]

I go to BJ's about once per month.
I like their meats, they are always so fresh and charge a reasonable price per pound.
We bought our patio set there this year and that more then covered the membership fee!

[penny_pincher]

I answered this poll because my husband shops BJ's for work. Its all paid for by his company. So its nothing out of my pocket. Personally I dont shop there very often unless i am in desperate need of juice or something for a party last minute.
I like the bulk buying but save more money buying smaller sizes with coupons .
Personally I prefer not to shop there. Not because they are a bad store I just would rather get more product for less cost with coupons :)
*Penny*

[cuzisaidso]

I voted on this before but, picked the no answer. I have actually heard of it, though. There is one near to where my DH used to work and we got a really good deal on R2D2 robots right before Christmas when they were sold out everywhere else.

[uummm]

I shop there a few times a year. It is about 30 miles away, and my mom actually pays for my membership, I think she is allowed 2 cards for one membership price, so she has hers and mine. The last couple of times I have gone there I have spent less than $50, however before that I would have no problem spending $400, but I have much better self control now.
Here is what I buy there NOW-
REAL maple Syrup
Sprinkles (for ice cream, they are by far the best of anywhere, not crunchy like at the grocery store)
Calvin Klein Jeans for my husband
I have also purchased some bathing suits from there and sold them on Ebay and made pretty good money.

Because I live 30 minutes away and when I go to the town it is in I also go to Super Target, and other stores unless I can hit Bjs last then I can't buy anything that needs to be cold unless I remember a cooler. I should go there to check to some prices on some things that I will use a lot of and have coupons for like Canned Milk.
I have gotten gas before but the price wasn't that great, but I was there so I filled up. I find I can get most stuff cheaper at the grocery store holding out for sales and using coupons.

[Bibit002]

I'm still new to this site, but I tend to go 2-4x a month, probably more because I will go just for gas--but I don't consider that a shopping excursion, the car needs gas. LOL.

I never realized I could use a manf. q for as many products in the box so that is awesome to know.

My biggest problem with them is that they never have enough registers open during peak times. (i.e. Sunday mornings).

I bought my daughter's glasses there a few months ago because we need a pair ASAP and I could get them for fairly cheap. But I found an even better place online to buy them for REALLY cheap. $12.95 (including shipping) Can't beat that price for RX glasses.

[lilac_blossom]

I've been going about twice a month since my boys were born because BJ's has the best price that I've been able to find on their formula (Similac Organic). I'm probably going to switch them to Parent's Choice Organic because it's so much cheaper so I might not be going to BJ's as often anymore. Their prices aren't bad (although since I have to pay to shop there I think they should be better) and I like all the coupons they send out but the customer service at the store closest to me is horrible. I was lied to about a membership deal they were having and when I decided to take them up on the deal they basically told me too bad, so sad. Also when I was shopping the other day I asked the General Manager a question because he happened to be right in front of me. He acted like how dare I ask him a question and basically told me to ask someone else. Didn't offer to find someone else to help me or anything. I had to go hunting for someone myself. Not really the kind of shopping experience I like to have.

[Abigail's_Mommy]

I go about once a month if you don't count for gas. We go twice a week for gas. We get all our meats there and things I can't find on sales.

[kstrand]

We go to BJ's at least twice a month. Prices are pretty comparable to Sam's, usually the exact same price or just pennies off. One week, I did a price comparison on items we commonly use, and for the few products that there was a large price difference, BJ's was cheaper than Sam's. We buy all our diapers and wipes there. We use Pampers, but have a friend that loves BJ's brand diapers. We also buy cat food and cat litter (I prefer BJ's brand cat litter over the name brands), garbage bags, wine/beer, frozen chicken breasts, milk, cheese, some fresh meat, water (BJ's brand), and have purchased tires there as well. Their gas is usually the same price as Sam's, but BJ's is much closer, so go there regularly for that as well. My Mom likes to buy cards there because they are much cheaper than at the grocery or card stores. I like that we get monthly coupon books and can use manufacturer's coupons as well. I haven't been able to find additional coupons in the store recently - hope they haven't discontinued doing that!

[andym1226]

I go on average 1-2 times per month. DH and I adore the Millstone Whole bean Colombian Supremo coffee, and the price is GREAT! We go through about 5 lbs a month. That is the main item I get there now b/c of the price and it is not available in any other stores in the area. I used to get more in the larger sizes, but since frequenting this site, I see that I can get things much cheaper in other stores with sales and coupons, etc!!

[cmdevidal]

I shop there every Friday for gas and the stuff below:

Bananas @ 1.39/3lbs (awesome price for our area)
Vegetarian Fed-Organic Chicken Breast (cheaper than Publix)
Organic Spinach
Organic Carrots
Organic Butter
Nuts/Seeds
Peach Fruit Cups
Frozen Vegetables
YoBaby Organic Yogurt
Mr Clean Sponges
Bounty Paper Towels
Charmin Toilet Paper
Organic P.B.

[WifeofBath]

I have had a BJ's membersip for about 10 years and I would never get rid of it. I go there weekly for gas but I only go into the store twice a month.
I regularly purchase:
Land o'Lakes cheese (deli)-cheapest anywhere at $3.49/lb
Rotisserie chicken-cheaper and larger than the supermarket
milk
bananas-when not on sale elsewhere
eggs
big bag o' raisins-BJ's brand
Minor's chicken and beef stock-cheap + it lasts a long time!
frozen shrimp
REAL maple syrup
Cards & gift wrap
Books (my weakness)
some clothes
movies occasionally

I used to always get my formula there, as well as dipes. I never spend more than $50 when I go in, usually in the $25-$30 range. I think the membership is worth it for the gas alone.

[andym1226]

I have had a BJ's membersip for about 10 years and I would never get rid of it. I go there weekly for gas but I only go into the store twice a month.
I regularly purchase:
big bag o' raisins-BJ's brand


LOVE the raisins!!! Did you ever get the yogurt-covered ones? Fabulous, but addicting and full of sugar and calories. We had to stop buying them!!!

[renem1219]

I live a few hundred feet from Bj's, so we are there ALL the time. We have 4 children so we are getting milk every otherday, not to mention diapers, snacks, and juices. It is also the place we get gas.

It took me a year to convince my husband that we should get a membership, but now he doesn't argue a bit when it comes time to renew it.

I didn't know about being able to stack coupons, but I can't wait to go and see what deals I can get!

[IWant2BDebtFree]

I just stumbled across HCW and I love it here...I shop BJ's almost daily (doesn't hurt I am a Customer Service Manager there.) I end up finding amazing deals and my biggest weakness is the books... That and the rotisserie chicken as someone else mentioned. YUMMY!

Any BJ's questions just shoot them my way. Anyone who doesn't have a membership yet there is a promo going on--Just an FYI.

[fromnytojax]

We go to BJs weekly just for the cheaper gas. Sometimes I pop in just to get some milk and look for coupons. I'm tickled to learn that you can stack coupons there and use more than one on a package. Learn something new evey day. Thanks!

[elizabethm]

I used to go twice a month or so, had the rewards card and made back more than enough to pay for the rewards upgrade. Since I found HCW, I go every couple months and downgraded from the rewards card to the regular card. Things I (and DH) buy:

Books
Greeting cards and other American Greetings stuff (e.g. birthday candles) - they're 1/2 price
Oil of Olay bar soap
Eggland Organic eggs
Organic butter
Morningstar Farms breakfast patties
Bob Evans or Jimmy Dean precooked sausage patties
Oscar Mayer precooked bacon
Head and Shoulders shampoo

I love their clothing racks in the middle of the store after the season - I've gotten $5 Izod shirts, $5 sweaters, etc. I used to get gas there all the time but then they took off the handle clips so I had to stand there and hold it for 17 gallons (sounds like nothing but my arthritic hands make this very painful). The clips are back - I guess enough people complained.

My best coupon buy there was when P&G was dumb enough to put out a BOGO Head and Shoulders coupon and not give a maximum size :biggrin: Gotta love that BJ's even takes manufacturers' coupons.

[Laurie1999]

I seem to go once a week or so. I always try to get my gas there since it is the cheapest price by quite a bit on my side of town. I also get my deli meat and cheese, milk and eggs there. I also love their lavash bread (low carb and great for wraps)

I had been getting my diapers there as well but since joining HCW, I have found ways to get them for less.

I was there today and they have a BJs BOBO coupon on Fresh Express bags of salad, which worked out great since I needed some anyways. Two bags for $2.59, not free but pretty good.

I also love getting my greeting cards there and when I need flowers, they are usually a great price.

[floridamom1]

I go about every six weeks, mostly for meat and eggs. I also occasionally buy books there. I can do better with coupons at other stores for personal hygiene items, pet food, and most canned goods.

[JOURDYSMOM]

I go a few times a year..their prices aren't that great..and my cars get crappy gas mileage with their gas as they use 15% ethanol

[stitch1769]

I, go once a month for the past several years and i always get great deals, especially w/ stacking coupons on my last trip i paid a little under $290.00( i shop for others also) and i used $107.00 in coupons. there are items i dont buy but overall i do most of my monthly shopping there.

[lazy1608]

I love my BJ's because I get a absolutely fantastic deal on Nature Made vitamins! I am able to get 165 vitamins for about $4.50. I used a $5 NM vitamin BJ's coupon along with a $7 Manufacturer's coupon from redeeming the NM codes! Their milk prices are unbelievable too - $2.36 for a gallon of milk. You can't beat that price around here in NJ!

[mummatoalex]

I go to BJ's sometimes once a week. It is about 4 miles from us. I don't get people who say their prices aren't good. Maybe if you don't use coupons they seem high. But I can go to BJ's and stack coupons and get triple the amount of product for the same price or less than the regular grocery store. So if you do it right it works out awesome.

[jtemple8]

I go to BJ's about once a week. Mostly I get DH's lunch meat, milk, canned chicken (it's yummy!), and Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Since we bought our house I had to cut out my daily trips for D&D iced coffee, so I buy the 2.5 lb. bags and make my own iced coffee at home. It's even better than going to D&D because when I make it myself it always comes out right! I think I would keep the membership just for the coffee, it's very expensive for the smaller packs in the regular stores.

-Jen

[Berkley69]

I go about once a week and I always seem to get milk, half & half, 5 dozen eggs, Fresh Express 3 lb. salads, portabello mushrooms if they're $5.99, blueberries if they're $4.99, Philly Gourmet sandwich steaks, LUVS if I have the $5 BJ's coupon, Breathe Right if I have a coupon, almonds, etc......

[Mommie22boys]

I shop usually 2 times per month. They have the best prices around here for dog food, since I need huge bags (for 4 dogs), and I will also get bread in between trips to the bread store, and the boxes of single serve chips. The best deal I've goten there was the Wii bundle for Christmas, and even they were sold out, hubby had to go to the one near his work, but got the ssystem, extra controlers and games for what the system usually costs!! All though I try to keep the kids and DH out of there, since they will always find something they want!

[alarosalpn]

I go 2-4 times a month. I go for ground beef, cat litter, pepperoni,Splenda,yeast,baking soda,crystal light and iced tea. once a month we each get a snack there too. :)

[SavingForMadeleine]

I go several times a month - because they are less than 1 mile away from job and i pick stuff up on the way home. I love the multiple coupons able to be used on the multipacks - i've saved about $450 this year alone shopping there and if you get their Credit Card - it has rewards including cash back checks which are awesome. It's nice to get a $20 check in the mail from time to time. Just make sure you shop smart. BJ's has great deals to be had - but also time to time their "bulk" size items are more expensive than you could get comprably elsewhere like Walmart or Target.

[danivdp]

I love BJ's but only go 2 or 3 times a month. Mostly for marked down meat. I also buy their artesian bread, and corn tortillas....laundry detergent, and I"m going today to look at some carseats