BJ's opens at 9am. Who's going? (price, store, comparable)

[unbalancedwood]

I don't understand how BJs got away with building such a small parking lot. It looks like half of it would be utilized by the staff. I'm sure at this point BJs is telling their employees to park at the Wal-Mart parking lot.

[gliderguy]

Even after the newness wears off that parking lot is not going to work. I can just imagine what the xmas holidays is going to be like over there.

[ayoskillz]

That's where a parking garage should come in to play

[FiveLoaves]

We went this afternoon. My first impression is - the parking lot's too small !!
I guess it will smooth out in a few weeks when everybody doesn't want to be there at once.

My 2nd impression is - there are no doorbuster bargains here. Based on the Prices that I know from Sam's Club, BJ's is a little more expensive. The only way to play their game is to use the Coupons in that booklet they send out. There's nothing special in their Bakery, nor in their Meat Dept. My DW, who knows the Prices much better than I, agreed with me on that assessment.

As far as the Gas Pumps are concerned -- their price on Regular gas is OK at $1.89. Premium 93 octane was $2.35 and that's not much better than Spinx (only those 2 grades available at BJ's). Also, Gas Attendant said that the "skimming" story was Fake News....the Facebookers got the details screwed up and it was Spinx that got hit with skimmers.

We'll use BJ's thru the first year, but I don't think we'll renew there. Sam's is so much easier to get into and out of. Even if they do complete that new entryway to Jockey Court, that location is a hassle.

[GroceryGuySC]

I agree with FiveLoaves. With benefit of hindsight, there are multiple fails:

1.) It's just too small. People who warehouse shop want a full-sized warehouse with wide aisles. BJ's went for a smaller concept and it is cramped.

2.) The parking lot is half the size it should be.

3.) That Dunkin' Donuts as the only concession stand is an epic failure. People do buy coffee and donuts in the South, but not like they do up North. Down here, people want an enormous soda, a slice of pizza and a hot dog at the warehouse.

4.) The assortment needs work. If the focus is fresh food, then they need more prepared foods. Also, the drug aisle is lacking compared to Sam's and Costco.

All that said? It will be successful. And the Marymeade Drive extension into BJ's can't come fast enough.

[Jun2018]

Since the last few post here, has there been any adjustments at the Summerville BJ's in 2018?

[gliderguy]

I was there today, I still like the place but the prices are no better than any other store.

[diddlydudette]

I wonder how BJs is doing in Summerville? They are sending out postcards for free 3 months membership or pay 25.00 for a year. We got the 3 free months trial when they opened but didn't join...we just didn't see the discounts except for the gas prices. Overall we weren't impressed.

[GroceryGuySC]

My membership expires this summer. It will take a deal for me to renew (and for them to fix their "free air" station.)

[Capt Rick Hiott]

Im with you,,,, I don't think Ill renew my membership...….