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BJ's Hits 8 Million Members Amid Consumer Stress
PYMNTS.com· 2025-08-25 17:35
Membership Growth - BJ's Wholesale Club has experienced a 55% increase in memberships since going public, reaching a new milestone of 8 million members, with 90% of those members renewing their subscriptions [1][2]. Sales Performance - Comparable store sales decreased by 0.3% when including fuel costs due to declining fuel prices, but increased by 2.3% when excluding fuel, attributed to strong store traffic [2]. Consumer Behavior - The CEO noted that consumers are showing resilience despite ongoing tariffs and inflation, but there are signs of consumer frustration and a search for value [2][3]. - Consumers are increasingly using coupons and seeking deals, with 42% redirecting spending towards cheaper merchants, indicating a shift in purchasing behavior [4]. Economic Impact - The "Minimalist" consumer category is emerging, characterized by increased home dining and reduced discretionary spending [5]. - Tariffs are impacting consumer behavior by increasing costs, leading to a greater focus on essentials and a reduction in discretionary spending [6].