BJ’s Has 2013 Back To School Covered

It’s the most wonderful time… of the year…  when leaves fall and kids grab their backpacks and head back to… what? You need a backpack? And paper, pens and other supplies? Head to BJ’s Wholesale Club!  Ya’ll know I am a FAN of BJ’s.  They are a little farther from me than I would like, but I squeal like a little girl anytime I get to go.  Great prices, coupon stacking (a membership club does that?! YES! Stack ’em! See later in this post for more information), amazing products and the lowest membership cost in the state of Georgia.  Only $40 for an entire year.  Add to that the money you can save by buying in bulk, stacking coupons and one-stop shopping and… well, why aren’t you up there already?

BJ’s seasonal section is boasting some of the hottest dorm room decor items as well as school room staples. Check out the emerald retro microwave, mini vacuum, single serve crock pot and fashionable strip outlets!  Where were these things when I was in college?!

Add to that the great slew of “office products”, backpacks, lunch boxes, pens, sharpies and (my favorite) textbook socks, and you have everything you need at a sweeeeet price. Glea, the general manager of one of the north georgia locations, took me on a tour of the warehouse, where I got to see even more than just the school offerings.  There was a much larger organic section that I would have thought – a LARGE endcap was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of offerings.  The personal butcher in the meat department is such a perk (only available at top end grocery stores and BJ’s offers them everyday!).  They will personally cut you any cut of meat you desire and turn a bulk primal cut (large, bulk meat for cheaper) into several cuts of your choice so you can take it home, freeze and separate it!   As much as I really appreciate this feature, what really took me by surprise was the farm to “club” produce plan.  Select produce is clearly marked as local farm and available to shoppers. I LOVE that.  Lurve. It. 

The best part of my visit was getting to taste BJ’s recipes for lunch box makeovers – super simple ideas to mix up the old bologna and cheese offerings.  Mix up an easy chicken caesar wrap with dressing on the side, or create an english muffin topped with layers of goat cheese, strawberry jam and fresh strawberries for a sweet twist.  The farm fresh produce makes all the difference in your butcher fresh ham sandwich, and you can toss in an organic Horizon milk box!  Toss these selections into awesome compartmentalized bento box kits and you’re set!  For more school recipes, shopping lists and more, check out www.bjs.com/preprally to help yourself prepare!

Now more about that awesome coupon stacking feature that ONLY BJ’s can offer you.  Have a three pack of toothpaste that is shrink wrapped together? Does each of those boxes have a scannable bar code? Then grab three of your toothpaste coupons, as well as a BJ’s coupon (which are ALWAYS more than $1.00) and you can save BIG TIME on that item.  The warehouse will also BOGO manufacturer coupons as long as the BJs price does not exceed the value on the coupon.  (No maximum value? Then I’m afraid you’ll have to use that coupon elsewhere).  Check out the front of store display for current coupons, as well as the BJs website, quarterly publication called BJs Journal and coupons booklets.  Wow – that’s a LOT of savings.  

I’m sure now you’re a big BJs fan, too. Click here to see where your nearest warehouse is located and head on up there to check out the values. Not a member yet? No problem.  There’s a 10% surcharge for being a guest at checkout, and you have an entire WEEK to change your mind and apply that surcharge towards your yearly membership. A total win-win.  See you there!