BJ’s Wholesale Club is preparing for a major expansion, with plans to open as many as 30 new stores across additional states over the next two years. The move would bring the warehouse retailer’s discounted groceries, household essentials and budget-friendly consumer goods within reach of more shoppers nationwide.
But as BJ’s grows its footprint, even loyal members may be surprised to learn the story behind the company’s name.
Despite a common assumption, the initials do not refer to Berkley Jensen, the retailer’s well-known private-label brand.
The real origin is more personal. BJ’s was named after Beverly Jean, the daughter of the wholesale club’s first president.
Beverly Jean Weich was the daughter of Mervyn Weich, BJ’s original owner and first president. Weich announced his resignation in June 1987, but the name he inspired for the company has remained ever since.
BJ’s traces its roots back to 1984, when the warehouse club business model was still in its early days.
The Massachusetts-based company was originally part of the Zayre discount-store operation. It later switched to a membership-only format similar to rival warehouses Costco and Sam’s Club.
Those who cough up the annual membership fee have access to bulk pricing on groceries and, of course, the discounted gas station.
BJ’s Wholesale Club has over 210 locations, meaning it still trails behind rival chains Costco and Sam’s Club
BJ’s hosts a back-to-school shopping spree for patient and family on August 13, 2026 in Dartmouth, Mass. (Scott Eisen/AP Content Services for BJ’s Wholesale Club)
Over the decades, BJ’s has expanded well beyond its Massachusetts roots, with locations in 21 states.
Recently, the retailer updated customers about its upcoming expansion in Tyler, Texas.
‘Value is the foundation of our company. BJ’s has been delivering unbeatable savings and convenience to families for more than 40 years,’ BJ’s Wholesale Club said in a statement. ‘We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm we’ve seen from members in Texas and look forward to taking care of families in Tyler and the surrounding communities.’
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A standard BJ’s Club membership costs $60 a year. There’s also a more premium $120 Club+ membership that comes with extra perks like 2 percent back in rewards, up to $500 per 12-month period.
Club+ members also get 5 cents off per gallon at BJ’s gas stations, plus free curbside pickup among other bonuses.
BJ’s also has its own Mastercard credit card offers, which comes 3 percent back in rewards with the standard card or 5 percent in rewards with the One+ card.
While smaller than rivals Sam’s Club and Costco, BJ’s has been investing in its own digital capabilities, including curbside pickup and same-day delivery.
Members also have access to range of products under its private label brands, including Wellsley Farms for food and beverages and Berkley Jensen for non-food and household products.
Over the decades, BJ’s has expanded well beyond its Massachusetts roots, with locations in 21 states
Club+ members also get 5 cents off per gallon at BJ’s gas stations, plus free curbside pickup among other bonuses
But while some warehouse retailers have food courts available to their members, most BJ’s Wholesale Club locations no longer have that option.
Instead, some have snack bars or a replacement kiosk like Dunkin’ Donuts.
Costco’s food court remains one of the most popular in America, famous for its ultra-cheap staples that also include pizza slices and a $3.99 chicken bake.
The company has also tightened rules around who can access those deals, recently requiring membership verification at outdoor food courts.
Costco memberships start at $65 a year, rising to $130 for premium perks like early entry.
Customers say it’s worth it for food court and gas station access alone.