Granted this is old news, but as I was on my way to Regency Mall last week to:

a. Get Henry’s first professional portrait done because Sears made me an offer I couldn’t refuse – 2 10×13′s, 1 8×10, 2 5×7′s, 16 wallets, 16 minis and no sitting fee – all for $4.99. I had to pick only one of his cute poses and that was tough.
b. Get a free chicken salad sandwich from Chick-Fil-A, using the August coupon from my free cow calendar

…I was surprised to see a large structure already constructed next to Disco Sports on Starling and a sign that BJ’s Wholesale was coming soon. It’s scheduled to open December 6. Currently, the only Richmond location is in Mechanicsville, 7260 Bell Creek Rd. So now the West End will have a third option in wholesale clubs, in addition to Sam’s Club and Costco (Which I still refer to as “Price Club,” much to my husband’s dismay.)

How’s a shopper to choose? The annual membership fees are relatively similar, ranging from $40 at Sam’s Club to $50 at Costco. Some big factors to consider are
1. Proximity – How close and convenient is it to shop there?
2. Price – Which has the lowest prices on the items you buy most?
3. Selection – Which carries the most items you will use?

To evaluate the price and selection, you really need a day pass or friend to tag along with.

I found there’s very little comparison info available online. This article on eHow “How to shop at Wholesale Clubs” brought up a couple of interesting points:

*”Learn to decipher the pricing codes. At Sam’s Wholesale Club, the letter C at the end of the item denotes a canceled item. These items are good buys. At Costco, .97 at the end of price represents a discontinued or slow moving item. Again, most likely a good buy.
*”Check out the additional services provided: mortgage loans, auto financing, roadside assistance, cell-phone plans, vision centers, prescriptions. Sams has most generic drugs for $4, 30 day supply. Costco is $10 for a 90 day supply. BJs Wholesale Club has a 2% reward system on most purchases. [Alison's note: this appears to be only with the $80 membership]
* BJ’s Club has a shopping pass you can print out online.
* Sams has a broader selection of products for commercial customers.
* Costco tends to have higher end items.
* Sams allows you to use gift cards at the gas pumps.”

Random tidbit: I also learned that membership is not required to purchase alcohol at any Sam’s Club.

Any additional insight is welcome!