BJ's Wholesale Club vs Piggly Wiggly
Comparing Shopping Experiences
Part of Our Grocery Store Guide with Details on BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly
When it comes to grocery shopping, the choice of store can significantly affect both the wallet and the quality of goods one brings home. BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly are two distinct grocery outlets with diverse approaches to retail. BJ's, a membership-based warehouse club, offers bulk products and a wide range of merchandise at competitive prices. On the other hand, Piggly Wiggly, with its deep roots in the supermarket industry, provides a more traditional shopping experience with a focus on community and customer service.
Evaluating which store is better requires consideration of various factors including pricing, product variety, shopping experience, and membership requirements. BJ's leverages its wholesale model to deliver savings on bulk items and carries its own private labels alongside national brands. It caters to households looking to stock up and save in the long run. Piggly Wiggly boasts of its local charm and convenience, prioritizing the shopper's experience with friendly staff and a comfortable store layout, appealing to those who prefer a traditional and personable grocery shopping visit.
To determine the superior grocery store, one must weigh these offerings against personal shopping needs and preferences. Some may favor the bulk savings and expansive product choices at BJ's, while others might place higher value on the local touch and immediacy provided by Piggly Wiggly. Each store holds the potential to stand out based on what the consumer values most in their grocery shopping experience.
History and Background
In assessing the merits of BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly, it's imperative to explore their historical roots and background. Both brands hold significant relevance in the retail market, with distinct origins and development paths that have shaped their current market positions.
BJ's Wholesale Club Overview
BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc., commonly known as BJ's, is a prominent player in the American warehouse club segment. Established in 1984 and headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, BJ's operates on a membership-only basis. The company extends its footprint predominantly across the Eastern United States, with a strategic penetration into Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Tennessee. Expansion into Alabama has been announced, marking a continued growth trajectory for the warehouse chain.
Founded: 1984
Headquarters: Marlborough, Massachusetts
Type: Membership-only warehouse club
Regions: Eastern U.S., Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee; plans for Alabama
Piggly Wiggly Overview
Piggly Wiggly takes its place in history as America's first self-service grocery store, revolutionizing the shopping experience. Founded by Clarence Saunders in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee, the brand has since become a symbol of innovation in the supermarket industry. It introduced numerous features that are commonplace today, such as checkout stands and individual item pricing.
Founded: 1916
Founder: Clarence Saunders
Headquarters: Keene, New Hampshire
Notable: First self-service grocery store
Innovation: Checkout stands, item pricing
Their storied pasts reflect a commitment to evolution and customer service, essential qualities that continue to influence BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly's operations to this day.
Store Locations and Accessibility
When comparing BJ's Wholesale Club to Piggly Wiggly, it's crucial to consider their geographical footprint and how easily shoppers can access their stores.
Geographical Presence
BJ's Wholesale Club: They operate over 210 locations in 17 states, primarily on the East Coast of the U.S. This extensive presence offers convenience to residents in these areas.
States include: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, and others.
Piggly Wiggly: Historically known for its Southern and Upper Midwest presence, Piggly Wiggly stores remain regionally focused and may not be as widely distributed as BJ's.
Key regions: Southern U.S. and Upper Midwest
Ease of Access
BJ's Wholesale Club prioritizes accessibility, with many locations found in suburban areas where larger retail spaces are available and more convenient for customers who require bulk purchases.
Piggly Wiggly stores are often smaller and located in a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, which may provide closer proximity to customers in those communities not served by larger warehouse stores.
Membership Options
When comparing BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly, it's essential to understand the distinct options and costs associated with their memberships, as well as the benefits they provide to shoppers.
Membership Types
BJ's Wholesale Club offers several types of memberships, from basic to premium options:
Inner Circle Membership: The entry-level membership providing access to all BJ's locations and potential savings on purchases.
BJ's Perks Rewards® Membership: A premium membership that includes additional rewards on top of the standard membership benefits.
Online Access Membership: Allows shopping on BJ’s website without a full membership.
Piggly Wiggly, traditionally, does not operate a club or membership model, which means they do not have different membership tiers.
Membership Benefits
The benefits associated with BJ's memberships are varied and tied to the level chosen:
Standard BJ's Memberships include:
Access to member-only pricing
The ability to book travel deals
Savings on gas
BJ's Perks Rewards® Membership enhances the experience with:
2% cashback on most purchases
Shoppers at Piggly Wiggly enjoy benefits without a membership, such as weekly specials available to all customers.
Membership Costs
BJ's membership fees range depending on the level of benefits:
Inner Circle Membership: $55 per year
BJ's Perks Rewards® Membership: $110 per year
Membership Tier Annual Cost Inner Circle $55 BJ's Perks Rewards® $110
In contrast, Piggly Wiggly does not charge for a club membership, as their business model does not require a fee-based membership program, allowing all customers to shop without a membership card or fee.
Price Comparison
In determining which grocery store offers better value, BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly, one must consider both the pricing of products and the range of discounts and coupons available to shoppers.
Product Pricing
BJ's Wholesale Club positions itself as a bulk retailer, often offering lower unit prices when products are bought in larger quantities. Regular prices at BJ's may often be more competitive due to this bulk-sale approach. In contrast, Piggly Wiggly, a traditional grocer, may offer products in smaller quantities. Individual items might be priced higher at Piggly Wiggly compared to BJ's bulk offerings.
BJ's Wholesale Club (Bulk Pricing)
Canned Goods: Typically lower per unit when bought in multipacks.
Fresh Produce: Often sold in larger quantities at a lower unit price.
Piggly Wiggly (Individual Pricing)
Dairy Products: Competitive pricing per item, but may be higher per unit compared to bulk.
Discounts and Coupons
BJ's accepts a variety of discounts, including manufacturer coupons which can be stacked with in-store BJ's coupons for added savings. They often have their own coupon booklets and offer digital coupons as well.
Piggly Wiggly provides savings through weekly ads featuring special discounts on various items. Shoppers can take advantage of discounts through Piggly Wiggly's loyalty card program, which may not be as expansive as BJ's coupon offerings.
BJ's Wholesale Club:
Manufacturer Coupons: Can be combined with BJ's own coupons.
In-Store Coupons: Regular coupon books and digital coupons increase savings.
Piggly Wiggly:
Weekly Ads: Highlight discounts without the need for bulk buying.
Loyalty Cards: Offer exclusive savings, though more limited than BJ's coupon variety.
Product Range and Quality
BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly both offer a wide selection of products, but they differ significantly in terms of exclusive brands, fresh food and produce, and general merchandise. These differences may influence a consumer's decision based on their shopping priorities.
Exclusive Brands
BJ's Wholesale Club presents a variety of exclusive brands, including Wellsley Farms for gourmet foods and Berkley Jensen for general merchandise. These brands offer consumers quality alternatives to national brands at competitive prices. Piggly Wiggly, while not as expansive in its exclusive brand offerings, prides itself on providing specific local brands, which resonate well with their customers.
Fresh Food and Produce
Quality and variety are key when it comes to fresh food and produce. Piggly Wiggly is renowned for its fresh meat and produce, often sourcing products from local suppliers. Their bakery and deli are also highlights, offering an assortment of fresh bread, baked goods, and prepared foods. In contrast, BJ's Wholesale Club provides a wide range of fresh food options, including meat, produce, baked goods like bread and pastries, and their substantial selections of fresh and frozen pizza and other ready-to-eat meals.
General Merchandise
Both stores carry a wide array of general merchandise, but BJ's Wholesale Club takes a lead with a broader selection, ranging from electronics to home goods. Customers at BJ’s can expect to find not only food items like snacks and wine but also non-food products often in bulk quantities. This is exemplified by their exclusive Kirkland brand, which spans numerous categories. Conversely, Piggly Wiggly focuses more on the essentials, providing a curated selection of products that cater to their customer base's daily needs.
Shopping Experience
When comparing BJ's Wholesale Club to Piggly Wiggly, shoppers will notice differences in in-store services, online shopping features, and overall convenience factors.
In-Store Services
BJ's Wholesale Club boasts a comprehensive range of in-store services that cater to various customer needs. It includes a deli for fresh meats and cheeses, a pharmacy for medical prescriptions, a tire center for auto maintenance, and an expansive electronics section. Moreover, the chain often offers free samples to its customers, providing a chance to try before buying. Self-checkout lanes are available for a faster exit.
In contrast, Piggly Wiggly focuses on offering a traditional grocery experience. While the availability of services like a deli is a standard feature, Piggly Wiggly may not uniformly provide the broader range of specialty services found at BJ's Wholesale Club.
Online Shopping and Convenience
Both retailers offer online shopping options, but BJ's Wholesale Club takes convenience further with features such as curbside pickup and free shipping for its online orders, creating a seamless shopping experience. BJ's also integrates ExpressPay in its service, allowing for a quicker payment process.
While Piggly Wiggly has online offerings, they are typically more variable by location. The store focuses on community-based services, which can be seen in the individualized attention and local preferences catered by different locations. Though this might mean differing levels of convenience between stores, it offers a tailored shopping experience to local customers.
Additional Benefits and Services
BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly offer unique services beyond just grocery items. They provide customers with additional benefits, such as automotive services and home essentials, tailored to enhance the shopping experience.
Gas Stations and Tire Centers
BJ's Wholesale Club operates gas stations and tire centers, offering club members the convenience of addressing their vehicle's needs while shopping. Members can enjoy discounted fuel prices—a perk that can translate into significant savings over time. BJ's gas stations frequently offer a per-gallon discount to members who use their membership card.
Furniture and Appliances
Both BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly cater to customers looking for home solutions by offering a selection of furniture and appliances. BJ's Wholesale Club often provides large appliance options at competitive warehouse club pricing. The array of products extends to furniture, enabling customers to furnish their homes with various styles and selections.
Club Exclusives
Warehouse clubs like BJ's are known for their exclusive offers. BJ's Wholesale Club members have access to special deals not just within the store but also on external services like holiday packages and home renovations. These perks and rewards enhance the overall value proposition for members, distinguishing the club from typical grocery retailers like Piggly Wiggly.
Customer Perceptions and Feedback
In the competitive grocery market, BJ's Wholesale Club and Piggly Wiggly stand distinct in their customer experiences. Shoppers regularly voice their satisfaction and exhibit differing degrees of loyalty to these brands.
Customer Satisfaction
BJ's Wholesale Club customers often cite the bulk purchasing options and competitive pricing as significant factors for their satisfaction. Customer reviews highlight the convenience of finding a wide array of products in one location. In contrast, Piggly Wiggly shoppers appreciate the cost-plus concept, which offers daily sales on popular items, contributing to a positive perception among its customer base.
BJ's Wholesale Club:
Bulk options
Competitive prices
Piggly Wiggly:
Cost-plus concept
Daily sales
Brand Loyalty
Piggly Wiggly enjoys a high degree of customer loyalty, with approximately 20% of members utilizing the cost-plus strategy that seems to foster this sentiment. The brand's resilience, even with new competitors like Lidl, hints at a strong attachment customers have with the store. Meanwhile, BJ's Wholesale Club leverages its own membership model, encouraging repeat visits and loyalty through exclusive member benefits.
Piggly Wiggly:
Strong customer loyalty
20% of customers engage with cost-plus
BJ's Wholesale Club:
Membership benefits
Encourages repeat visits
