Everyone,
It's that time of year when Juice and I make our big decision. Do we continue with our warehouse club membership or trade it the other one? What are the pros and cons of our store? Do we honestly shop there enough to warrant a membership? We have been with our current place for more than 5 years I think. My friend Chef was nice enough to take us to one today and let me browse for the prices/availability of things. So here's my list.
Pro Current Place (CP)
-We know it.
-It's a cheaper membership.
-They have polish dogs.
-Not as crowded.
-Plenty of parking.
Cons CP
-Major long lines that take forever.
-Employees are not stellar.
-They randomly stop stocking items that we use regularly.
-Not a great selection.
Pros of New Place (NP)
-Great selection!
-Great samples.
-Churros at the food court.
-Great counter wipes and picture printing (so Chef tells me).
Cons of NP
-Holy cow parking.
-And the people! I was overwhelmed with Butterfly and AJ running around.
-More membership.
-No polish dogs.
-Big store to learn.
-Opportunity to spend more.
They both have the staples we use. They both have big boxes of diapers (although NP had a bigger box...224 for 42 dollars. CP has 200 for 39 dollars. 24 diapers for 3 dollars more...worth it?) and the cereal we like. They both have things like cheese, dog food, laundry soap, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
Right now I'm leaning towards staying with CP. Yes, the employees aren't stellar. Yes, I miss out on things like better selection. And no churros! But the press of people was just too much. If I couldn't handle it, I know Juice would be a cross camper afterwards.
And really, it boils down to one point. At CP, they have polish dogs. And we love us some good hot dog. :)
Safire
“Tell them to Have Faith in Me”
10 years ago
We used to belong to BJs, which I liked well enough, but then we moved and all there is here is a Sam's, which I don't care for as much. The membership was more, and since I'm not buying diapers and wipes, I don't feel as pressed, anyway. Plus, it's like you said, the opportunities to spend more are rampant at some places, and that was one of them. Oh, AND, their gas is actually *more* expensive than what I pay at the regular grocery store if I use my gas bonus points program. I wish there was such a thing as a once-a-month plan or something, so I could go in once in awhile, because for holiday baking it would be useful...
ReplyDeleteKeep the polish dogs. They have them at my CP too and I would be sad without them. Was the crush of the NP due to the holidays or was that normal? Can you tag along with your friend when you do want something from NP? That's what redheadsmom and I do and it works out well.
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely tag along again if you do decide to stay at the current club. Or you can just give me a list. :) And to answer Valinda's question: it is ALWAYS crowded. My mom, who has shopped at this store in 3 other states says it's the worst she's ever seen. BUT, they have great STUFF. I'm lucky because I get a free membership thru my dad's business. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard of people sharing memberships--so if you and a friend are the ones that go, and your spouses don't then you could put your friend's name as the co-user, and she could put you down. That way you can get both. I have memberships to both (one provided by may dad), and go to one or the other depending on what I need. Even though the one is more crowded, they move the lines so much faster, and I can get out of there in better time. Tough decision though if you can only pick one.
ReplyDeleteI cracked the code! :) We have belonged to your "NP" for a few years and we are obsessed with it, so we are completely not objective about this. Totally switch, switch, switch, switch. It's much better over here. :) :) :) You're right, though, so many opportunities to spend $$, because of all of the great stuff. We call it the "$200 store." :)
ReplyDelete