A FAVOURITE grocery chain considered by fans as “better than Costco” has announced the opening of a new store.
It comes after the retailer’s CEO confirmed plans to open up to 30 new locations by 2026 – and the dates to watch out for.
A new store has been announced in Massachusetts[/caption]
BJ’s has revealed that it is set to open a new club in Springfield, Massachusetts later this year[/caption]
BJ’s Wholesale Club announced on Tuesday that it plans to open a new club in Springfield, Massachusetts later this year.
It’ll be its first new store in its home state in 13 years.
The new BJ’s Wholesale Club at 1655 Boston Road, Springfield, is expected to create between 100-150 jobs.
It’ll be opening at the former Eastfield Mall site, which closed two years ago and is currently being redeveloped into an open-air shopping center called Springfield Crossing.
Bob Eddy, CEO of BJ’s, said, “For more than 40 years BJ’s has been delivering unbeatable value to families – and that all started right here in Massachusetts.
“As we’ve become one of the largest companies based in Massachusetts, we’re excited to continue growing in our own backyard – contributing to our communities and helping take care of the families who depend on us.”
The club is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
The expansion follows the retailer’s confirmation of plans for 25-30 new clubs over the next two fiscal years.
This includes several locations in Texas.
News of its expansion in Massachusetts has been welcomed by shoppers, with one saying on social media, “I’m thrilled! Been a BJ’s member for years… love this!”
Other comments included, “Can’t wait for this store to open,” and “that’s fantastic.”
One woman praised the opening at the revamped site, saying, “It will be nice to see that area come back to life. I wish some housing would have been part of the mix.”
There were several calls for the retailer’s bosses to include a BJ’S Tire Center and a gas station.
The U.S. Sun has contacted BJ’s for more details, such as whether it will provide customers with a gas station and a tire center.
New BJ’s Wholesale Club to open in Massachusetts
The club will mark the Massachusetts-based firm’s first new location in its home state in 13 years
The new club will be located at 1655 Boston Road, Springfield, and will be launched later this year, in winter.
It’ll be opening at the former Eastfield Mall site, which is currently being redeveloped into an open-air shopping center called Springfield Crossing.
The new BJ’s Wholesale Club is expected to create between 100-150 jobs.
Those interested in working there can visit BJs.com/careers to apply for positions.
BJ’s is also promoting a limited-time founding member offer to welcome the Springfield store.
Valid through 12/11/25, it means members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day, and make “big gas savings.”
Many fans said they were pleased there would be an alternative to the BJ’s at Chicopee, Hampden County, as it was slated as being a traffic nightmare to reach “right near Walmart.”
However, other shoppers said they would have preferred a Costco to a BJ’s, with one demanding, “I want a bigger Costco and a Sam’s Club.”
The comments are the latest in a long-running debate over Costco V BJ’s.
It regularly provokes a strong response on social media, including as a topic of discussion on Reddit.
Earlier this year the online forum debated “Is Costco better value than BJs?”
PRICING
A person asked others on Reddit for advice on which retailer is better, posting, “There is a Costco here in New York city and my mom has been inquiring about it.
“Been a subscriber to BJs for years but wondered if $65/year is worth the price?
“Never been to a Costco ever but was wanting to make the jump, for what I heard it seems to have better deals?”
One shopper shared “notable differences” including, “BJs tends to have slightly better pricing on items, along with the ability to use manufacturer coupons.”
VARIETY
They added, “BJ’s carries a wider variety of popular brands/product types than Costco does.
“BJ’s has a deli counter where you can good pricing on deli meats.
“Costco tends to carry more upscale, more unique products than BJ’s does.
“Costco has deeper discounts on branded gift cards, but only carries a few unique brands at a time. BJ’s offers small discounts on more commonly known brands.”
FOOD COURT
And when shopping for food, the person said, “The Costco food court is definitely better than the BJ’s one. I rarely see anyone at the BJ’s food court whereas the Costco one is always packed.
“BJ’s rotisserie chickens are higher quality than Costco ones.”
BJ’s to open up to 30 new locations by 2026 – where and when
BJ’s Wholesale Club has confirmed growth plans, providing members with more opportunities to take advantage of low grocery prices
The warehouse retailer is expanding its nationwide footprint, with 25-30 new warehouses set to launch over the next two years.
This comes after at least five new stores opened since January 2025.
BJ’s will relocate some current stores, and build new ones, including in Springfield, Massachusetts, which will open in winter.
There will also be new stores at several locations in Texas opening over the next two fiscal years, in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
A relocated club is set to open this month in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Other relocations are planned over the next several years, including in Rotterdam, New York, next year.
A new store will be created on New York’s Staten Island.
BJ’s has also announced plans to build a new distribution center in Commercial Point, Ohio, which is set to open in 2027.
BJ’s revealed several new locations set to open in 2025, including:
- Delray Beach, Florida
- Warner Robins, Georgia
- Sevierville, Tennessee
- Casselberry, Florida
The location in Delray Beach will be a BJ’s market – the second of the company’s concept clubs.
The company’s plans for 25-30 clubs include previously announced club openings in early fiscal 2025:
- Brooksville, Florida (opened February)
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (opened February)
- Southern Pines, North Carolina (opened March 7)
- Whippany, New Jersey
- Staten Island, New York
FEE INCOME
The announcement of the new store in Massachusetts comes after the firm reported a strong start to the year,
On May 22, it shared its financial results for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2025.
The CEO said that membership fee income had increased by 8.1% year-over-year to $120.4 million.
And comparable club sales had increased by 1.6% year-over-year.
Eddy added, “We reported a strong start to the year, demonstrating the power of our model and continued momentum in our long-term growth priorities.
“Delivering great value is essential in today’s environment, and I am proud of our team members who remain committed to taking care of the families who depend on us.”
BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO Robert Eddy has confirmed a new store opening in Massachusetts[/caption]
BJ’s is opening up to 30 stores – but fans of Costco would prefer more of its wholesale branches[/caption]
