OT: Favorite Warehouse Club

[Joyce]

We now have a Sam's BJ's and Costco in town. I am trying to decide which one or two (I refuse to go for three!) to belong to. Do any of you prefer one to the other and why?

[DmOrtega]

Since Costco is closer than Sam's Club, I love Costco. They have a great selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, vegtables, books, clothes, etc. Oh, and gas. I don't think there is a BJ's in my area. Location is pretty important as I have limited time to shop.

[adb]

Another vote for Costco! I have never been in a BJs but prefer Costco to Sam's. I find myself making frequent trips to Costco and have always been happy with the meats there. Believe it or not, we get some great deals on name brand clothes there too - they often have Liz Claiborne stuff for men and women.

When we lived in MN, we used Sam's a lot for their liquor store but that was open to the public so you didn't need to join for that benefit - that varies by state though. If that is true in your area you can double dip!

Whereever you join, be conscious of what you are buying though - not everything is a great deal and you will not believe your bills walking out of these places. Have fun shopping!

[KellyD]

Costco just recently moved into Houston (FINALLY) - and I think it is ten times better than Sam's. Aside from the fact that I think they carry a better selection and quality of food items (I don't really shop the other stuff), the best thing about Costco is they take Amex!! Yeah - earn those points!

[Melman]

We don't have a Costco here either. We do have Sam's and BJ's. BJ's only opened less than a year ago, but so far, I'm less than impressed. I keep going in periodically just to prove me wrong. I like Sam's better. PS...I wish we had Costco, but I've never even heard it mentioned.

[tracey67]

I've been to all 3 clubs and they all have pros and cons. Since there are just 3 of us in my house (me, my husband, and our dog), I find that I buy just a few items (dog food and coffee, primarily), but still save enough on these items to make paying for membership worthwhile. I used to belong to Costco, but just recently switched to BJs because Costco stopped carrying the dog food and coffee brands I use. The best way for you to decide is to spend some time in each store. I don't think anyone mentioned this, and the clubs don't really advertise it, but both Costco & BJs (I'm not sure about Sams) will give you either a one day free shopping pass or a 90-day free pass. Just ask at the membership desk -- tell them you're thinking of joining and just want to see if it's worth your while. This will help you determine if they carry the brands that you want -- and GENERALLY, the brands you see in the store are the ones they always carry.

Other notes: If you buy a lot of wine or liquor - all of these clubs have GREAT prices so check them out. Plus, you do NOT have to be a member to shop in the liquor store -- ANYONE can shop there (I think it's a state law or something).

Be sure to check out the frozen foods aisle for appetizers. All 3 clubs have a pretty good selection of tasty and nice-looking frozen apps (that I can never find in my regular supermarket). These are great for when you're having a party and don't want to make everything from scratch.

Finally, like others said - be careful of what you buy -- it's true that not everything is a great buy. With cereal, for instance, you can usually do much better in your regular supermarket just by buying what's on sale and using coupons.

Good luck with your choice!

[SandyM]

I have heard that Costco has great meats and fresh bakery items, although I'm not yet a member (but probably will be soon).

[Jewel]

I've been a Costco member for years, but when a Sam's opened about 15 miles away DH and I decided to check it out. They give you a one-time 'guest pass' to walk through without a membership. Personally, we weren't that impressed. Prices were about the same, but the selection wasn't even close. Also, we love the Kirkland brand of products, which is Costco's own brand. We've had really good luck with the Kirkland Lamb & Rice dog food, which is less than $16 for the 40 lb bag, and our dogs won't eat anything else! The Kirkland 100% columbian coffee is wonderful at $4.99 per can, and we have always liked their laundry detergent and paper products. Costco also has a really good chilled food/freezer section (well, I'm biased...my company makes the chillers and freezers! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) and their bakery is to die for.

Never heard of BJ's, but they'd have some big Costco shoes to fill! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[ABB]

I LOVE Costco. I have been to Sam's as well but it doesn't measure up. My husband is a Pastor and so we have to prepare lunches for classes that he teaches - for like 80 people. All their deli meat/sandwich stuff is great and the bakery items are wonderful. We also bought lamb (for 250 people) for a seder that he put together and it was really, really good!

[Curleytop]

We had a Sam's very close by. I liked it pretty well, UNTIL Costco opened up NEXT DOOR to it! I cancelled my Sam's (got a refund) and joined Costco. They also have a gas station, you can charge the purchase on any credit card, and Costco now give you a free platinum American "Excess" credit card, instead of a Costco card. The gas is much cheaper even than Arco which is the low price leader here in SoCal. Since there are just the 2 of us, I don't buy too much stuff,
but their vitamins are great, fresh fruit,
corned beef, Seattle coffee is being roasted right there in the store, 2# for $6.49.

[andrea]

join COSTCO simply for the Kirkland 4 Cheese Ravioli!!! it's to die for!!!

[BosunsWife]

I've belonged to all three, depending on where we were living at the time. Right now we only have access to Costco and Sam's Club. I have both memberships and will probably keep them both. The Costco (which is actually just about a mile from our house) is kind of old and IMO isn't the greatest. I make the several mile journey to Sam's about once a week or every two weeks. I like their produce better and they carry the canned veggie brands that I like. They also have slightly lower prices on the same goods that Costco carries.

[RojoPelo]

I have memberships to both. Sams is closer, however, Costco is much better by far. Better vegetables, meets & novelty stuff.

[TamiK]

Costco--definitely. I've been a member for over 20 years. I used to drive 6 hours to come to Costco in Phoenix when I lived in a small town far away. I've also belonged to Sam's, but have never been as happy with the quality there. I have NEVER gotten a bad product at Costco. I don't worry about which brand something is--if they carry it, it's generally great quality and great value.

Costco carries restaurant quality meat which I can't get anywhere else. I refuse to buy inferior meat from the supermarket.

Even though it's just two of us and the dog at my house, too, I save way too much to give it up. The more you go, the less you'll spend. I go at least once a week, and seldom look around at the new stuff. Instead, I go by my list. Once every couple of months, I let myself splurge if I have a little extra cash. I walk around the whole store and look at housewares, clothes, and books and get what I want.