Hey there, savvy shopper! If you‘re like me, you love the thrill of scoring a great deal on all your favorite products. And when it comes to buying in bulk and saving big, Sam‘s Club is probably your go-to spot. I mean, who can resist those giant jars of pickles and industrial-sized boxes of cereal?
But here‘s the thing – while Sam‘s Club is awesome, it‘s definitely not the only store that can satisfy your craving for bargains in bulk. There‘s a whole world of warehouse clubs, discount retailers, and online bulk sellers out there, just waiting to be discovered. And as someone who basically considers bargain-hunting a competitive sport, I‘ve made it my mission to track down the best of the best.
Whether you‘re a die-hard Sam‘s Club fan looking to mix things up, or a bulk-buying newbie wondering where to start, this post has got you covered. I‘ve rounded up 15 of the best stores like Sam‘s Club, complete with all the juicy details on what makes each one special. We‘re talking membership perks, product selection, coupon policies, and more.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to take your bulk shopping game to the next level. Your pantry (and your wallet) will thank you!
What is Sam‘s Club and Why Do People Love It?
Before we dive into the alternatives, let‘s take a quick moment to appreciate the OG of bulk buying: Sam‘s Club. Founded in 1983, Sam‘s Club is a members-only warehouse club that‘s owned by Walmart. With around 600 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Sam‘s Club is known for offering deep discounts on a wide variety of products, from groceries and household essentials to electronics and furniture.
The secret to Sam‘s Club‘s success is buying in bulk. By purchasing large quantities of products directly from suppliers, Sam‘s Club is able to negotiate lower prices and pass those savings on to customers. Of course, there‘s a catch – to shop at Sam‘s Club, you need to pay for an annual membership, which costs $45 for a basic "Club" level or $100 for a "Plus" level with extra perks.
So why do millions of shoppers pony up for a Sam‘s Club membership every year? Well, the savings can be pretty incredible. According to a 2018 study by the firm Kantar Retail, Sam‘s Club prices were on average 29.8% lower than non-warehouse grocery stores. On popular items like diapers or coffee, the price difference can be even higher. Plus, Sam‘s Club offers some nice perks for members, like cheap gas, free shipping, and early shopping hours.
Of course, buying in bulk isn‘t for everyone. It requires a larger upfront investment, more storage space, and the ability to use up products before they go bad. As one Sam‘s Club shopper put it, "You have to be careful not to go overboard. Just because you can buy a gallon of mustard doesn‘t mean you should." But for families, businesses, or anyone who goes through a lot of supplies on a regular basis, the savings can really add up over time.
The Top 3 Sam‘s Club Competitors
Alright, now that we‘ve covered the basics of Sam‘s Club, let‘s take a look at some of its biggest rivals in the bulk-buying game.
1. Costco
When it comes to warehouse clubs, Costco is the king of the hill. With over 500 locations in the U.S. and nearly 100 million cardholders worldwide, Costco has an even larger footprint than Sam‘s Club. Costco is known for its high-quality products, wide selection, and ultra-low prices on bulk quantities.
One thing that really sets Costco apart is its private label, Kirkland Signature. This brand covers everything from basics like eggs and toilet paper to more specialized items like wine and golf balls. And the quality is seriously impressive – in blind taste tests, Kirkland products often beat out name brands. Fun fact: Kirkland Signature rakes in over $40 billion per year, making it bigger than Campbell‘s, Hershey‘s, and Kellogg‘s combined!
Costco also beats Sam‘s Club when it comes to organic options, prepared foods, and certain departments like wine and electronics. The famous Costco food court is a major draw, serving up crazy cheap hot dogs and pizza. However, Costco‘s annual membership fees are a bit steeper than Sam‘s Club‘s, at $60 for Gold Star and $120 for Executive.
Costco vs. Sam‘s Club: Tale of the Tape
| Category | Costco | Sam‘s Club |
|---|---|---|
| Number of U.S. Locations | 536 | 597 |
| Membership Fee (Basic) | $60 | $45 |
| Membership Fee (Upgraded) | $120 | $100 |
| Average Store Size (sq. ft.) | 144,500 | 134,000 |
| Signature Private Label | Kirkland Signature | Member‘s Mark |
| Annual Revenue (FY 2018) | $141.6 billion | $59 billion |
| Organic Selection | More | Less |
| Food Court | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Center | Yes | No |
| Cheap Gas | Yes | Yes |
| Free Shipping | 2-day | 2-day |
2. BJ‘s Wholesale Club
If you live on the East Coast, you might be more familiar with BJ‘s Wholesale Club than Costco or Sam‘s Club. With over 200 locations in 17 states from Maine to Florida, BJ‘s is a smaller but fierce regional player in the wholesale game. BJ‘s store model is actually very similar to Costco‘s, with a focus on quality products and low prices.
Like Costco, BJ‘s offers two membership tiers: a $55 basic plan and a $110 "BJ‘s Perks Rewards" plan with 2% cash back on purchases. However, BJ‘s beats out both Costco and Sam‘s Club in one key area: it accepts manufacturer‘s coupons! That means you can stack your own coupons on top of BJ‘s in-store coupons and promotions for some serious savings. BJ‘s also price matches Costco, Sam‘s Club, and other local competitors.
Another unique perk of BJ‘s is the deli counter, where you can have meats and cheeses sliced fresh to order. It‘s like having your own personal deli guy! BJ‘s gas prices are also consistently low – often 10 cents or more per gallon cheaper than local stations. And like Costco, BJ‘s has its own popular store brand called Wellsley Farms.
However, BJ‘s falls a bit short in terms of overall product selection compared to Costco and Sam‘s Club. And the smaller store footprint means the crowds can be just as intense, with narrow aisles that can get backed up on weekends. But if you‘re a coupon lover or just appreciate that personal deli touch, BJ‘s is definitely worth checking out.
3. Walmart
Okay, okay, I know what you‘re thinking – "Walmart? Really?" But hear me out! While Walmart might not be an exclusive members-only club, it‘s still a bulk-buying powerhouse in its own right. With over 4,700 locations across the U.S., Walmart is basically everywhere. And those stores are packed with bulk-sized products at low, low prices.
Now, I‘ll be the first to admit that Walmart isn‘t exactly a luxury shopping experience. The stores can be massive and maze-like, the crowds can be intense, and the customer service can be…lacking. But if you‘re willing to brave the wilds of Walmart, the savings can be insane. Seriously, where else can you buy a 50-pound bag of rice, a case of motor oil, and a $5 DVD bin all in one place?
Of course, not everything at Walmart is a winners. The store branded products can be hit or miss in terms of quality. And the sheer size of the stores means that finding a specific item can be like going on a scavenger hunt. But Walmart does have a few tricks up its sleeve, like the Savings Catcher app that automatically price matches local competitors and refunds you the difference.
For even more savings, you can spring for a Walmart+ membership for $98/year. This gets you free shipping on orders over $35, free grocery delivery, cheap gas, and the ability to use the Scan & Go app for faster checkouts. So while Walmart might not be as exclusive as Sam‘s Club, don‘t count it out for your bulk shopping needs!
More Stores to Check Out
Those are my top three picks for stores like Sam‘s Club, but there are plenty of other options out there depending on your location and shopping preferences. Here‘s a quick rundown of some other bulk retailers worth checking out:
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Target: Don‘t sleep on Target‘s bulk offerings, especially in the grocery and household essentials departments. You can often find bonus packs and multi-buys on popular items. Target can be a bit pricier than Walmart, but the shopping experience is generally cleaner, calmer, and more stylish.
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Amazon: Yep, even the almighty Amazon has gotten into the bulk retail game with Amazon Pantry. If you‘re an Amazon Prime member, you can load up a "pantry box" with bulk-sized groceries and household products and get them shipped to your door for a flat $5.99 fee.
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Aldi: This no-frills discount grocery chain is a bulk buyer‘s dream. You‘ll find big packages of everything from chips to chicken breasts at rock-bottom prices. Just don‘t expect a lot of name brands – Aldi mostly stocks its own private labels.
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Big Lots: The name says it all – this store specializes in selling overstock and closeout merchandise in bulk. You never know what you might find, but if you‘re willing to dig through the jumble, the savings can be amazing.
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Dollar stores: While dollar stores like Dollar Tree mostly deal in smaller items, you can still find some bulk deals, like multipacks of cleaning supplies or snacks. Just be sure to check expiration dates and do the math to make sure you‘re really getting a good deal.
Bottom Line: How to Choose the Right Bulk Store
Phew, that was a lot of info! But hopefully you‘re feeling more informed and empowered to explore your bulk shopping options. At the end of the day, the best store for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and preferences. Here are a few factors to consider:
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Membership fees: Are you willing to pay an annual fee for access to a warehouse club? If so, how much? Costco and BJ‘s memberships cost more than Sam‘s Club, but may offer better perks.
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Location: How close are you to each store? Is it easy to pop in for a quick weekly trip, or will you need to plan larger hauls? Remember, buying in bulk means you‘ll need to transport and store larger quantities.
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Product mix: Which store carries the best selection of your favorite brands and products? Do you have any special dietary needs or preferences, like organic or gluten-free?
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Coupon policies: Do you like to stack coupons and deals? BJ‘s is the only major warehouse club that accepts manufacturer‘s coupons, which could be a deciding factor for savvy shoppers.
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Extra perks: Would you take advantage of extras like gas stations, food courts, photo printing, or optical centers? These can provide extra value and convenience.
In my opinion, the best way to decide is to simply try out a few different stores and see which one feels right for you. Most stores offer free one-day trial passes so you can scope things out before committing to a membership. Make a list, check the unit prices, and trust your gut. With a little trial and error, you‘ll find your bulk shopping soulmate in no time.
And hey, there‘s no rule saying you have to be monogamous with your bulk stores! Many shoppers choose to "cherry-pick" the best deals from multiple stores. For example, you might buy your produce and deli items at BJ‘s, your cleaning supplies and pet food at Sam‘s Club, and your snacks and baking ingredients at Costco.
No matter which store(s) you choose, just remember the golden rule of bulk shopping: only buy what you know you can use before it goes bad. There‘s no point in "saving" money on a giant jar of mayo that you‘ll end up throwing away. Stick to your staples, keep an eye out for deals, and enjoy the satisfaction of never running out of toilet paper again.
Happy bulk buying, my fellow bargain hunters! May your pantries always be full and your wallet always be fat. And if you see me fighting over the last case of LaCroix in the Sam‘s Club parking lot, just know that all‘s fair in love and bargain shopping.
