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MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced its first membership fee increase in seven years, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The annual membership fee will rise by $5 to $60, while the Club+ membership will increase by $10 to $120. The company also introduced a new benefit for Club+ members, including BJ’s One+ Mastercard cardholders: two free same-day deliveries annually on eligible orders over $50. BJ’s stated that the added benefit is valued at three times the fee increase for premium members.
The membership fee increase comes as BJ’s continues to see significant growth in its membership base. The company reported an 8% increase in membership fee income during the third quarter, reaching a milestone of 7.5 million members. Since fiscal 2018, the member base has grown by 40%, with penetration in premium membership tiers more than doubling over the same period. BJ’s now boasts the highest renewal rates in its history.
“We’ve transformed our business since the last fee increase in 2018, delivering substantially more value to our members,” the company stated during its third-quarter earnings call. BJ’s noted that investments made since 2018 include a nearly 40% increase in average hourly wages at its clubs and distribution centers, enhanced rewards programs, expanded gas benefits, and the introduction of a new co-branded credit card. Rewards to members have risen from $130 million in 2018 to over $350 million in the past year.
The company has also focused on broadening its offerings. Seven years ago, members had only one way to shop; today, BJ’s provides a range of digitally enabled shopping options. Improvements to fresh and general merchandise assortments and an increased focus on private-label products, which now account for over a quarter of merchandise sales, have further enhanced the value of membership.
BJ’s stated that the proceeds from the fee increase will be reinvested in labor, member benefits, and operational improvements, including the newly announced free deliveries for Club+ members. The company’s goal is to sustain its momentum and build on recent successes.
The fee increase and added benefits reflect BJ’s strategy to strengthen its value proposition for members while maintaining long-term growth. The company emphasized its commitment to delivering greater value and convenience, positioning itself as a stronger business that meets the evolving needs of its members.
