Best Costco alternatives for bulk shopping and savings in 2024

Shopping in bulk can be a smart way to save money, especially if you have a large household or run a small business. While Costco has long been a favorite for bulk buyers, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a store with a different product selection, lower membership fees, or more flexible shopping options, there are plenty of alternatives to consider in 2024. This guide explores the top Costco alternatives, offering a range of choices to suit every bulk shopper’s needs.

1. Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club is the most direct competitor to Costco, offering a similar warehouse-style shopping experience. Owned by Walmart, Sam’s Club provides a broad selection of groceries, electronics, furniture, and more at competitive prices. Membership fees start at $50 per year, which is slightly lower than Costco’s basic membership.

Why Choose Sam’s Club?

• Offers the “Scan & Go” app for easy in-store shopping, allowing you to skip the checkout line.
• Access to fuel discounts at Sam’s Club gas stations.
• A wide range of brands, including Member’s Mark, their exclusive in-house label.
• Convenient online shopping and free shipping for Plus members.

Pro Tip: If you’re a frequent online shopper, a Sam’s Club Plus membership ($110/year) provides free shipping on most items, early shopping hours, and cash rewards.

2. BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club is a strong contender for those who seek more flexibility in their bulk shopping experience. Unlike Costco, BJ’s accepts manufacturer coupons, offering another avenue for savings. Their annual membership fees start at $55, similar to Costco’s, but BJ’s offers a unique “Online-Only” membership for those who prefer digital shopping.

Why Choose BJ’s Wholesale Club?

• Accepts manufacturer coupons, stacking savings on top of already discounted prices.
• Offers a variety of payment options, including major credit cards and digital wallets.
• “Same-Day Delivery” service for groceries and household items through the BJ’s app.
• Gas savings at BJ’s fuel stations.

Pro Tip: If you’re hesitant about committing to a membership, BJ’s offers a 1-Day Shopping Pass to non-members, so you can test the waters before making a decision.

3. Amazon Prime and Amazon Business

If you’re not keen on paying a separate membership fee for bulk shopping, consider leveraging Amazon Prime for its vast range of products and competitive pricing. For businesses or larger households, Amazon Business provides additional bulk discounts and flexible purchasing options.

Why Choose Amazon Prime/Business?

• No need to leave your home – everything is delivered straight to your door.
• Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh offer bulk quantities of groceries, cleaning supplies, and more.
• Amazon Business offers quantity discounts, multi-user accounts, and analytical tools to track spending.
• Access to a wide selection of brands and products that you might not find in traditional warehouse stores.

Pro Tip: Amazon Business accounts are free to set up, and they provide special pricing for large orders, making it an excellent choice for small business owners and office managers.

4. Boxed

Boxed is a fantastic online-only alternative to Costco, perfect for those who want to shop in bulk without a membership fee. Boxed delivers bulk-sized products directly to your doorstep, focusing on groceries, household items, office supplies, and more.

Why Choose Boxed?

• No membership fees.
• Enjoy bulk prices with the convenience of online shopping.
• “Boxed Express” provides same-day delivery of fresh groceries in select cities.
• The Boxed app offers exclusive discounts and flash sales for additional savings.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of Boxed’s “Smart StockUp” feature, which provides discounts on frequently purchased items. This can be especially useful for families or businesses managing recurring subscriptions.

5. Gordon Food Service (GFS) Stores

If you’re looking to stock up on food in large quantities without a membership, Gordon Food Service (GFS) Stores are worth checking out. Primarily serving the restaurant industry, GFS also welcomes everyday consumers.

Why Choose GFS Stores?

• No membership fees.
• Offers restaurant-quality food products in bulk.
• Wide variety of options, including fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable products.
• Great for event planning, catering, or stocking up for large families.

Pro Tip: Check out GFS’s sales and promotional deals, which often provide steep discounts on bulk food items.

6. Costco’s Online Competitors: Walmart.com and Target.com

While they don’t operate as traditional warehouse clubs, Walmart.com and Target.com offer bulk shopping options online. Walmart’s “Bulk Buying” section includes food, cleaning supplies, and more, while Target offers multipacks and bulk-sized items through their website.

Why Choose Walmart.com or Target.com?

• No membership fees.
• Option to order online and pick up in-store or have items shipped to your home.
• Regular promotions, deals, and the ability to use store-specific coupons.

Pro Tip: Sign up for Target’s REDcard or Walmart’s membership programs (Walmart+) for additional savings, free shipping, and other perks.

7. SubTracked: Manage Your Bulk Shopping Memberships

With so many membership options, it’s easy to lose track of renewal dates, fees, and expenses. SubTracked offers an all-in-one solution for managing your memberships and recurring expenses. Here’s how SubTracked can help you maximize your savings:

• See All Subscriptions in One Place: Keep track of your bulk shopping memberships like Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale, and Amazon Prime.
• Subscription Renewal Calendar: Get notifications of upcoming renewal dates, so you’re never caught off guard by an auto-renewal.
• Subscription Spending Insights: Analyze how much you spend on bulk shopping memberships and identify opportunities to cut costs.
• Alternative Suggestions: Discover other bulk shopping services you might not know about, tailored to your needs.
• Price Change Alerts: Stay informed about changes in membership fees or bulk pricing.

Conclusion

While Costco remains a top choice for bulk shopping, there are numerous alternatives in 2024 that offer unique benefits. From Sam’s Club’s “Scan & Go” convenience to Boxed’s online-only shopping model, the options are vast. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and savings goals.

To keep your bulk shopping memberships in check, consider using SubTracked for seamless subscription management. Try a free trial today and take control of your memberships for smarter shopping!