18 Facts About Bjs

BJs: A Treasure Trove of Facts

BJs Wholesale Club, often simply called BJs, is a popular membership-only warehouse club chain in the United States. Known for its bulk products and competitive prices, BJs has a rich history and some fascinating facts that might surprise you.

The Origins of BJs

Understanding where BJs came from can give insight into its success and growth over the years.

1. Founded in 1984
   BJs was established in 1984 in Massachusetts. The first store opened in Medford, setting the stage for a new kind of shopping experience.

2. Named After Beverly Jean Weich
   The "BJ" in BJs stands for Beverly Jean Weich, the daughter of the company's first president, Mervyn Weich.

3. Part of Zayre Corporation
   Initially, BJs was a division of the Zayre Corporation, a discount department store chain. This connection helped BJs gain a foothold in the retail market.

Membership and Shopping Experience

BJs offers a unique shopping experience that sets it apart from other retailers. Here are some interesting aspects of its membership and shopping model.

4. Membership Fees
   To shop at BJs, customers must purchase a membership. The annual fee ranges from $55 to $110, depending on the level of benefits.

5. Exclusive Coupons
   Members receive exclusive coupons and discounts, making bulk shopping even more economical.

6. Gas Stations
   Many BJs locations feature gas stations, offering members discounted fuel prices.

Product Variety and Services

BJs isn't just about bulk groceries. The variety of products and services they offer is impressive.

7. Private Label Brands
   BJs offers its own private label brands, such as Berkley Jensen and Wellsley Farms, known for quality and affordability.

8. Optical and Hearing Services
   Some BJs locations provide optical and hearing services, adding convenience for members.

9. Tire Centers
   Many stores have tire centers where members can purchase and install tires at competitive prices.

Community and Environmental Initiatives

BJs is committed to giving back to the community and protecting the environment.

10. Charitable Contributions
    BJs supports various charitable organizations through donations and community programs.

11. Sustainability Efforts
    The company has initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including energy-efficient store designs and recycling programs.

12. Food Donations
    BJs donates unsold food to local food banks, helping to combat hunger in the communities they serve.

Expansion and Growth

BJs has grown significantly since its inception, expanding its reach across the United States.

13. Over 200 Locations
    As of now, BJs operates over 200 locations across the Eastern United States.

14. Publicly Traded Company
    BJs became a publicly traded company in 2018, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BJ.

15. E-commerce Platform
    BJs has embraced the digital age with a robust e-commerce platform, allowing members to shop online and enjoy home delivery.

Fun and Surprising Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about BJs that might surprise you.

16. First to Accept Manufacturer Coupons
    BJs was the first wholesale club to accept manufacturer coupons, giving members even more ways to save.

17. Pet-Friendly Policies
    Some BJs locations are pet-friendly, allowing members to shop with their furry companions.

18. Holiday Savings Events
    BJs is known for its significant holiday savings events, offering deep discounts on a wide range of products during major holidays.

Final Thoughts on BJ's Wholesale Club

BJ's Wholesale Club offers more than just bulk groceries. From exclusive brands to money-saving perks, it's a one-stop shop for families and businesses. Memberships come with unique benefits like discounted gas and optical services. Plus, their online shopping and same-day delivery options make life easier. Whether you're stocking up for a party or just doing your weekly shopping, BJ's has you covered. The variety of products and competitive prices make it a smart choice for savvy shoppers. So next time you're thinking about where to shop, consider BJ's Wholesale Club. You'll find great deals, quality products, and a shopping experience that fits your busy life. Happy shopping!