News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

15 Items Retirees Should Buy at BJ's

Find some bulk buys that can also keep cash in your wallet.

bj's wholesale club store
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Warehouse stores like BJ’s can get expensive when you’re buying in bulk, but that can also work to your advantage if you’re trying to save money.

As a savvy senior shopper, you can take advantage of membership stores to help stretch your retirement income while picking up items that are perfect for retirees, from food to home goods and more.

Here are some can’t-miss things you should add to your shopping lists on your next trip to BJ’s.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Nuts

Sergey Ryzhov/Adobe hand with almond nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein, vitamins, and fiber, which can be important as you get older.

The selection at BJ’s includes a wide variety of options, including mixed nuts or specific choices that come in both salted and unsalted options, depending on your dietary needs.

Ready-to-eat meals

JackF/Adobe woman choosing ready meal

It can be difficult to make dinner when you’re retired and not making full family meals like you used to.

Consider some ready-to-eat options at BJ’s, like entrees, salads, and wraps that are perfect for one or two people without much preparation.

Baking supplies

VGV/Adobe stacked flour bags

Retirees have more time to pursue other interests like baking, so make sure you have the right ingredients in your pantry when inspiration hits.

You can get flour, sugar, and baking staples at an affordable price to keep on hand for cakes, cookies, and more.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Over-the-counter medication

I Viewfinder/Adobe pharmacist hand holding medicine box

You may start to get more ailments as you age, like heartburn or minor aches and pains.

So stock up your medicine cabinet with antacid tablets, ibuprofen, probiotics, and other over-the-counter medication to make your day a little easier.

Toilet paper

Marharyta Hanhalo/Adobe woman buying toilet paper in bulk

A bulk-sized version of toilet paper is great to grab, so you’re always stocked up whenever you need a roll.

However, it’s a good idea to consider how much space you have to store items like paper products before you buy them in bulk in case you downsize after you retire.

Coffee

SERGEI/Adobe woman picking coffee

Now that you’re retired, you probably have more time to enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning instead of rushing to the office and grabbing a cup from a local cafe.

BJ’s offers a variety of options, including ground coffee and K-cups, depending on how you like to make your coffee or what type of machine you have.

Ground beef

Pavel Losevsky/Adobe shelfs in store with mincemeat

Fresh meats can get pricey, but you can save some money by picking up meat at BJ’s.

Buying ground beef in bulk can mean big savings if you break it up into servings when you get home and freeze it so you always have the right amount when you need it.

Cleaning supplies

ColleenMichaels/Adobe cleaning products for sale

More time at home means you have more time to clean all those nooks and crannies you may have missed while working.

Grab some cleaning supplies and stock up so you have what you need on hand to clean regularly without worrying about the extra costs.

Tires

Supachai/Adobe man choosing wheel tires

You may be surprised to learn that BJ’s has a tire center, but you’ll be happy to know it’s there when you need it.

With national brands like Goodyear and Michelin, you can definitely save money on a new set of tires for your vehicle at BJ’s.

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2

Get Capital One Shopping now

Seasonal items

Chad/Adobe christmas themed wrapping paper

Holidays can get expensive when you’re trying to buy extra wrapping paper or Halloween decorations.

BJ’s has affordable seasonal items to decorate your home or celebrate with your family, and they may be less expensive than other retailers.

Storage bins

JackF/Adobe housewife buying storage baskets

If your goal is to sort through things in your home now that you have more time to organize, you’re in luck.

Check out BJ’s for storage bins that can help you save space and organize your items as you declutter and clean your house.

Frozen vegetables

WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe vegetables in frozen section

Vegetables are a must for healthy eating, but it may be daunting to buy fresh produce in bulk only for it to go bad before you can eat all of it.

Instead, get frozen vegetables that you can store and only have to use as much or as little as you need without the rest going to waste.

Furniture

vladdeep/Adobe woman reviewing chairs at furniture store

If you’re downsizing or moving to a city for retirement, new furniture may be on your list.

BJ’s has plenty of choices to help you furnish your new place without busting your budget. Check out new pieces for your kitchen, living room, and even bedroom.

Oatmeal

blackday/Adobe mother and her little son in a supermarket

Ditching your morning commute during retirement means you have more time to enjoy a quiet breakfast.

So grab some oatmeal, which is healthy for you and can also be a healthy and filling way to start the day.

Sports equipment

auremar/Adobe men looking at golf club bag

Starting a new sport when you retire can be expensive, but BJ’s has the equipment to get you started without busting your wallet.

If you’ve wanted to try pickleball, grab a racket set at BJ’s or pick up a home putting green to improve your skills for the golf course.

Bottom line

John Mantell Photo/Adobe Cape Coral bj's wholesale club

If you want to avoid wasting money on a fixed income, BJ’s can help you save and keep you on track.

It’s also a good idea to shop with a budget to prevent overspending or buying unnecessary items, which can be tempting with the wide selection at BJ’s.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details