BJS vs Costco in 2017: A Comprehensive Comparison
In the world of wholesale shopping, two giants have long dominated the scene: BJ's Wholesale Club and Costco Wholesale. Both offer a wide range of products at competitive prices, but which one reigned supreme in 2017? Let's delve into a comprehensive comparison, focusing on key aspects that mattered most to shoppers in 2017.
Membership Fees and Types
Both clubs require a paid membership to shop, but they differ in their fee structures and membership tiers.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: Offered three membership levels in 2017 - BJ's Perks Rewards, BJ's Perks Rewards+, and BJ's Business. Prices ranged from $100 to $150 per year.
- Costco Wholesale: Provided two membership options - Gold Star and Executive. Prices were $60 and $120 per year, respectively.
Product Selection and Quality
Both clubs carried a vast array of products, but the quality and variety differed.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: Known for its extensive food selection, including a wide range of organic and specialty items. However, some shoppers noted that product quality could be inconsistent.
- Costco Wholesale: Renowned for its high-quality products, particularly in the fresh food and rotisserie chicken departments. Costco's selection was slightly more limited than BJ's, but shoppers appreciated the consistent quality.
Exclusive Brands
Both clubs offer exclusive brands, but Costco's Kirkland Signature stood out in 2017.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: BJ's Wellsley Farms and BJ's Organics brands were popular among shoppers, but they didn't quite match the variety and quality of Kirkland Signature.
- Costco Wholesale: Kirkland Signature continued to impress shoppers with its wide range of high-quality products at competitive prices.
Services and Perks
Both clubs offered various services and perks, but Costco's Executive Membership benefits were particularly appealing in 2017.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: BJ's Perks Rewards+ members enjoyed 2% cashback on purchases, free shipping on select items, and a free flat tire repair. Business members received additional perks like free shipping on all items and exclusive business services.
- Costco Wholesale: Executive members received an additional 2% cashback on top of the standard 2% reward, totaling 4% cashback. They also enjoyed free shipping on most items and access to exclusive services like Costco Travel.
Store Experience and Online Shopping
Both clubs offered in-store and online shopping options, but Costco's online platform was more user-friendly in 2017.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: BJ's website and mobile app were functional but had room for improvement in terms of navigation and user experience. In-store, BJ's was known for its spacious layout and wide aisles.
- Costco Wholesale: Costco's website and mobile app were more intuitive and user-friendly, making online shopping a breeze. In-store, Costco was praised for its efficient layout and minimalist design.
In conclusion, while both BJ's Wholesale Club and Costco Wholesale had their strengths in 2017, Costco's consistent product quality, exclusive Kirkland Signature brand, and appealing Executive Membership perks gave it the edge. However, the best choice ultimately depends on individual shopping needs and preferences.
