BJ's Wholesale Club in Canton opens Friday: Here's what to know

BJ's Wholesale Club on Friday will open its newest Michigan location on a busy stretch of Ford Road in Canton.

The more than 100,000-square-foot store at 43690 Ford Road is in the same complex as Target and Lowes. Previously, it was the location of a former JC Penney store that was repurposed, said Peter Frangie, BJ's Wholesale Club vice president of communications.

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"At the Canton store, members can expect more of BJ's exclusive Wellsley Farms brand food items as well as national brands that our members expect," Frangie said.

Canton shoppers who by this Sunday sign up for a one-year BJ's $55 membership receive a $40 digital BJ's gift card loaded to their membership card. When you sign up for a one-year BJ's Perks Rewards membership at $110, you will get an $80 BJ's gift card.

BJ's is a membership-based warehouse store similar to a Costco or a Sam's Club. Canton is the fifth Michigan store for the Massachusetts-based BJ's with 230 clubs nationwide.

"We are focused on the cost-conscience, hard-working and savings members," Frangie said. "We found that Canton aligns with what we do in our communities."

BJ's Wholesale Club stores sell fresh meats, poultry, grocery items, produce, packages snacks, dairy, and drinks, both in their own brand and national brands. They also sell beer, wine, and liquor and carry many local brands. BJ's also has a bakery and deli.

"We are very focused on our own brands and on elevating our brands because we really feel that's a great value for our customers," Frangie said.

Among the huge assortment of goods sold at BJ's are household items, clothing, cleaning products, TVs and electronics. There are seasonal items, an optical department, and a snack shop where you can get a Dearborn hot dog and a pop for $1.50 or a colossal cookie.

While BJ's is known for member discounts at its gas stations, the Canton location will open without one.

"We are in conversation with local officials to open a fueling station," Frangie said. "That's something we hope to offer members very soon."

Throughout the year, BJ's offers select fuel programs for members. The closest BJ's gas station to the Canton club is in Taylor on Eureka road.

While BJ's is similar to other warehouse-type stores, they differ in that they accept national brand coupons. On its website, BJ"s also has downloadable coupons.

Here's what to know about joining and shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club:

Membership

Membership is required to shop at BJ's. A basic BJ's Inner Circle annual membership costs $55. With the basic membership, you receive member coupons and a complimentary membership for a household member. You can also add three other members at $30 each annually. The BJ's Perks Reward membership is $110 and is the same as the inner circle with the added perk of 2% cash back and other exclusive specials.

Fuel

While the Canton location doesn't have a gas station yet, BJ's current gas program allows customers to earn additional discounts on gas. In stores, more than 100 items are earmarked that have additional gas savings.For each one of the items on the list you buy, you will save 10 cents per gallon. Buy two items and get 20 cents off a gallon, three items earn 30 cents off. The more items you buy, the discount goes up. Programs vary throughout the year.

Deli counter

One area that sets BJ's apart from other warehouse stores is its full-service deli counter. Here you can get freshly sliced lunch meats in desired amounts. Deli meats are from its exclusive Wellsley Farms brand as well as items from Dietz & Watson, a national brand.

Super Savings

BJ's is known for its WOW wall feature at most clubs. While the Canton doesn't have the signage for WOW savings, it's located when you first walk in. There you will find, according to BJ's, deals on food and general merchandise plus seasonal offerings. For example, many fall and Halloween items are currently featured.

Rotisserie chicken

The universal and ever so versatile and popular rotisserie chicken is front and center at BJ's Warehouse clubs. They cost $4.99 each, which is in line with Costco's price. At Sam's Club, rotisserie chickens are $4.98 each.

Online shopping/scan-your-own

You can order online for in-store pickup as well as same-day grocery delivery through BJ's delivery partners such as Instacart. With the BJ's app, there is an express pay function that you can scan items as you shop for easy checkout. There also is a self-checkout option or staffed checkouts.

BJ's Wholesale Club is at 43690 Ford Road in Canton. Hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For information on membership, products, and BJ's fuel program go to bjs.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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