- In this report
- Overview
- 11 smart saving strategies
- Join the club
- How much warehouse stores can save you
Join the club!
If you don't already belong to a warehouse club, you've probably been tempted to join one—or at least curious about what they offer that your local Walmart doesn't. Warehouse clubs are everywhere. Costco is in all 50 states, Sam's Club is in all but Oregon, and both are international as well. BJ's is in 15 states, mostly on the East Coast. We've been keeping tabs on the clubs for years, comparing prices on all kinds of items with the help of our team of secret shoppers. Our latest price-comparison project focuses on holiday party supplies you'll be buying in the next couple of months. And the results are pretty impressive but not surprising. On our last warehouse-shopping expedition, we found similar savings on everyday items like trash bags, batteries, cereal, peanut butter, coffee, and diapers, which were about 30 to 60 percent cheaper than at supermarkets and other nonclub stores. You can also save big on mattresses, books, eyeglasses, and luxury goods. But electronics, like cameras and printers, weren't always the best deals, so when it comes to the shiny stuff, you probably want to shop around.
Of course it'll cost you to join a warehouse club. But you could score enough savings in one big holiday shopping trip to recoup your investment. So now's a good time to join.
Tip:Take a friend along so you can split perishables and other items you might not use quickly. Other smart shopping strategies: Make a list and stick to it! Comparison shop—if you have a good coupon, you might be able to get it cheaper at a supermarket. And try to shop on weekdays, when warehouse clubs aren't as packed, so you can take your time being a smart bargain shopper.
What's the deal
Membership fees and other important club details
| Costco | Sam's Club | BJ's |
|---|---|---|
| Locations 557 stores in 7 countries | Locations 602 stores in 4 countries | Locations More than 180 stores in 15 states (CT, DE, FL, GA, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA) |
| Annual fee $50 (up to two household members) | Annual fee $40 (up to two household members) | Annual fee $45 |
| Coupons? In-store coupons only | Coupons? In-store coupons only | Coupons? All manufacturer coupons plus in-store coupons |
| Ways to pay Cash, check, debit card, American Express, Costco card | Ways to pay Cash, check, debit card, Discover Card, MasterCard | Ways to pay Cash, check, debit card, all major credit cards, food stamps |
| Extras Gas station, pharmacy, optical department, and electronics recycling, and more at Costco.com, including travel. Costco rated in top 10 grocery stores in a recent Consumer Reports survey; private Kirkland brand scores high in many of our tests (including cereals). | Extras Auctions, cell-phone plans, pet insurance, roadside assistance, and more at Samsclub.com. | Extras Auto and home insurance, car rentals, custom-built sheds, and more at BJs.com. |
This article appeared in Consumer Reports Shopsmart Magazine.
