BJ’s membership revenue up 8% after January price hike

Outside a BJ's Wholesale Club that sits behind a parking lot

Image | Courtesy of Google Maps BJ's Wholesale Club in Auburn

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There’s no early signs that Marlborough-based BJ’s Wholesale Club’s first membership price hike in seven years has scared away customers, as the firm saw a 4% increase in year-over-year sales, boosted by a 7.9% climb in membership fee income.

BJ’s saw a 90% membership renewal rate in the fiscal year ending on Feb. 1 after implementing a membership price increase at the beginning of 2025. The business raised its yearly club membership fee by $5 to $60 and its Club+ membership by $10 to $120 a year.

Membership fee income increased to $117 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 when the price increase was implemented, up from $108.4 million in the previous fourth quarter.

“Our terrific fourth quarter performance contributed to a record year at BJ’s, powered by all-time high membership results,” Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, said in a Thursday press release announcing the firm’s fiscal 2024 results. “Our improved assortment, investments in value and significant growth in digital sales drove our 12th consecutive quarter of traffic growth. We are also growing our footprint at pace to serve even more members.”

BJ’s announced a new distribution center in Ohio in January, a month when the firm opened its 250th club location. The business announced on Thursday it has plans to expand into Texas, part of a goal to add 25 to 30 clubs over the next two fiscal years.

Overall, club sales increased 4% during fiscal 2024.

BJ’s brought in $534.42 million in net income during the year, up 2% from the previous year, with a total earnings per diluted share of $0.92.

Citing uncertainties in the operating environment, BJ’s has slightly more modest expectations for fiscal 2025; the firm is projecting comparable club sales, excluding the impact of gasoline sales, to increase 2% to 3.5%.

Founded in 1984, BJ’s operates seven clubs in Central Massachusetts, with locations in Auburn, Northborough, Hudson, Leominster, Uxbridge, Framingham, and Franklin.

Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.