BJ’s Wholesale Club plans Southeast, Midwest expansions
BJ’s Wholesale Club continues to expand its footprint into markets beyond the East Coast.
The Massachusetts-based membership warehouse club chain, which previously announced plans to open 12 news clubs and 15 gas stations this fiscal year, has revealed the newest locations coming to its footprint. The locations, in the Southeast and Midwest, include two new major markets.
BJ’s did not disclose the opening dates of the five locations, which are listed below.
- Maryville, Tenn. (BJ’s fourth location in the state and first in the Knoxville market);
- Myrtle Beach, S.C. (BJ’s second club in the state and first in Myrtle Beach);
- Palm Coast and West Palm Beach, Fla. (BJ’s 38th and 39th clubs in the state); and
- Carmel, Ind. (BJ’s second location in the state).
Earlier this month, BJ’s announced plans to enter its 21st state — Kentucky — with the opening of a club near the Jefferson Mall in Louisville, in early 2025.
“BJ’s combination of unbeatable value and convenience continues to resonate with members, and we’re pleased with the performance of our new clubs,” said Bill Werner, executive VP, strategy and development, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Our real estate pipeline is the strongest it’s been in 20 years, and we look forward to helping even more families save up to 25% off grocery store prices as we add clubs to both new and existing markets.”
[Read more: BJ’s Wholesale Club opening Louisville location]
Each new BJ’s location is expected to create approximately 150 jobs for its respective community. Clubs feature an assortment of fresh foods, produce, full-service deli offerings, bakery goods, grocery staples and household essentials, in addition to home décor items, toys, tech products and pet supplies.
For the 14-week period ended Feb. 3, BJ’s revenue rose 8.7% to $5.357 billion, compared with $4.93 billion for the 13-week period in the year-ago quarter. Membership fee income increased by 6.5% year-over-year to $108.4 million. Total comparable club sales decreased by 0.4%.
“We ended fiscal 2023 on a strong note,” said BJ’s chairman and CEO Bob Eddy in the most recent earnings release. "Our membership grew in robust fashion and we continue to retain members at all-time high rates. We delivered impressive market share gains in our clubs and at our gas pumps, driven by acceleration in traffic and growth in units sold.”
Founded in 1984, BJ’s operates 244 clubs and 175 BJ's Gas locations in 20 states.
This story originally appeared on Chain Store Age.
