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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 Nov. 14, 2024
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.