I really don't like posting such negative reviews but I have to for just this ONE location--Brookfield, CT. I have been to BJs and I like them (although my allegiance is so to COSTCO--you are not worthy!!!) My last experience here so deters me from joining altogether, even with the claim of full reimbursement if unsatisfied. I got to this store at 5:40 pm, on a Tuesday Fall night, really in the midst of rush hour traffic, when everyone hits the stores after work to do their shopping. I was confident that I would be in and out as the parking lot had many vacant spaces. I needed to refill my propane tank, and it was no bargain at $15.99 considering up the block it was offered at $16.99 with IMMEDIATE service (i'll explain) I walked into the tire center since that is where they do propane refills and I waited for about 6 minutes and not one person came to the counter--I opened the door where the auto mechanic was ferociously working on a car and I asked him if there was anyone doing the propane and very politely, he stated "I'm only one here so I'll be with you as soon as I can" He was most respectful but clearly he was busy. I waited a few more minutes and I was quite in a hurry as I had to be at my final destination by 6:45. I finally asked him if I could leave the tank and run into the store to pick up 3 items and he said no problem and that I could pay for the refill in the store when I was checking out--about 11 minutes wasted right there (yes, I am patient, even when there is no elevator music/muzak playing). So into the store I went to pick up my items and pay for my discounted (????) propane....first stop is at the DELI--Very nice lady working the counter BUT she is maniacally swamped....she too is ALONE!!! After about 10 minutes, she is able to get to me and I asked her if it was only her today and she said that her co-worker was on break and that it is solely her for now...she served me ever so politely and as I was leaving, there were about 5 other eager customers waiting patiently to place their order with a look of exasperation. I then go to check out my big bag of ice (which I had to trade in because of wait on the deli line), almond milk, cold cuts and there in only ONE CASHIER checking people out and 4 self-check outs were open but 3/4 are blinking as they need assistance (discovering that this is truly a place for only ONE). I opt for the selfie since the line is shorter and I was smart enough to wait on the non-blinking line given my rush. I scan all of my products and I now need to locate the the key for my propane tank on register keypad and I can't. The lady coming to clear off the other three registers' issues walks by me and I ask her about inputting my Propane refill and she says; "Oh,, that can't be down here--you need to get on line and work with a cashier--you'll have to wait over there" By that point, I am all scanned, ready to pay and that live Cashier has a line with 4 people on it with flowing over-the-top carts. It is now 6:22 and I have to now guise myself as Danika Patrick to be home by 6:45.!!! I was absolutely disgusted...lastly, gas price there was $3.19--competitors, right up the block at about 1/3 of a mile was $3.09--but why???? Tell me whhyyyyayayaya as Annie Lennox so graciously sang.
Needless to say, I left the store furious and in a bit of a huff--how they manage to staff a store at night with minimal personnel is beyond me! This store cannot handle crowds and I have watched people leave it, empty-handed because they do not want to wait on line for their 3 items. I really do love this store but the way it is being managed/operated does not promise for a fruitful or successful business especially with the upcoming holidays. I did go to Costco right before this pitiful stop and COSTCO was packed--I managed to get parking, shop and fill my cart up to the brim, pick up my prescription, go to the water closet and Gas up cheaper and in less time than I did picking up my 3 puny items at BJs.
I am sorry to say that I will not renew my BJs membership and am happy that this is solely a FALL 2014 TRIAL membership as my sticker so glaringly states in fluorescent orange.
COSTCO, make way cuz, here I come....also LOVE the free cookbook they give on Black Friday weekend!! read more