I’ve had a Sam’s Club membership - now we have a Costco membership.
For us, Sam’s Club is more convenient, closer to home - but I have a Costco membership - part of it is the ethical issues, part of it is the more upscale selection - Costco tends to have a better selection of organics, for instance (but don’t shop a warehouse if all you want is organics). The Costco house brand does seem to be much better than the Sam’s Club version. And because I don’t tend to bop into a warehouse store for convenience, the extra drive - (about eight miles instead of three) isn’t a factor - its a pain in the butt to warehouse shop regardless.
Both of them have some things all the time, but a lot of stuff only some of the time. Bulk can be an issue - it isn’t bad when embarking on a warehouse club membership to have a buddy who is willing to take four of ten mangos (or a few persimmons) or ten pounds of flour. And/or have a freezer and plenty of pantry space - we currently have a years supply of freezer bags and paper towels.
Also, be aware that sometimes the prices and value is really good - and sometimes you are better off at the grocery store or Target.
I have both memberships and shop at both.
I agree with the comment upthread that they are about 85% the same.
Some differences
Electronics Nod to Costco. Better return policy (not what it used to be, but still damn good)
Fresh fish and fresh meat, Costco by far for the fish, and by a hair for meat. Although this may vary from store to store.
Premade chickens Sams chickens taste better.
Other premade foods Costco due to the greater variety.
Cheese Sams Greater variety, and a much larger selection of pre-sliced cheese in bulk.
Bacon Sams by a yard.
Baked goods Sams
They’re building a BJ’s in our neck of Orlando(ish). We currently belong to Sam’s, but BJ’s will be closer. If you had to choose between BJ’s and Sam’s, which would you pick?
It offers more choices than any of the BJs around here, be it food, housewares, etc. It may be because of Kirkland – BJs has its own house brand, but their offerings are nowhere near the depth nor the breadth. Price wise they’re probably neck-and-neck; however, I feel you get more bang for the buck with Costco.
There’s also the “upscale” factor. BJs tends to be a bit more downscale in terms of atmosphere and such. As somebody upthread mentioned, think of Wally World vs. Target.
The one thing BJs does have over Costco is their bakery. Costco’s offerings are quite decent, but BJs, by virtue of not having a house brand, can and does bring in a lot of goods from many wholesalers around here. You can’t beat the prices on specific cakes made by Oldest Area Bakery Known For Its Wedding Cakes, for example.
We don’t have any Sam’s Clubs around here. Even if we did, I’m not convinced that I’d drop my Costco membership for it.
Costco. I like knowing my paltry yearly fee goes to a company that does more for its employees, that’s all. Since everything else seems equal, and subjective anyway, that’s what it came down to for me, so I go with the better employers.
I’ve had memberships to both Sam’s Club and Costco, and I prefer Costco. Not just because of the ethical issues, though that is a factor, but also because they have a better selection and there is one within walking distance of my house. I used to like taking my daughter there on weekends because they have samples of different foods, and you can have lots of nice little snacks while you shop. Plus it’s the only place in my neighborhood where I can find Newman’s Own grape juice, my daughter’s favorite. I wish I hadn’t let my membership lapse, I’m thinking of re-upping next year.
And, just because I feel like it, here’s the obligatory (well, to me anyway) Idiocracy reference:
“Welcome to Costco. I love you.”
I prefer Costco to BJs, but I just let my Costco membership lapse in favor of BJs because BJs is so much closer. It’s just not worth a 40 minute drive to save a little bit more of ten pounds of cheese.
My observations so far: Costco had cheaper prices but also less selection. They would have one brand of any given item. If you didn’t like that particular brand, you are SOL. I’ve observed that BJs often has both top brands, but not as deep a discount. I do prefer the Costco store brand, Kirkland, over BJs store brand Berkley & Jensen. I also like how I can be wearing a Kirkland dress shirt (which I do own!), wipe my mouth with a Kirkland paper towels, and drink a shot of Kirkland premium vodka. Awesome.
