Do families really save money shopping in warehouses vs. regular grocery stores or places like Walmart?
” We did some shopping to find out the best ways to save. They are paradise for bargain hunters, warehouse clubs like BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club. They offer products, often in bulk, and usually offer good deals. But consumer advocate and founder of www.consumerworld.org Edgar Dworsky says they’re not always cheaper. “Sometimes it’s a better deal if you go to a discount department store or supermarket that’s having a big sale,” he said. If you add in coupons, especially the doublers, the traditional stores can become the bargains, especially since Costco doesn’t accept manufacturers coupons. However, BJ’s does, and both warehouse clubs offer their own coupons. SHOP AROUND So you really have to do some serious comparison shopping. Remember, warehouse clubs charge membership fees of about $50, so you have to save that much just to break even. “So is it worth it if you’re buying just a few items to go buy a membership? The answer is probably no,” said Dworsky. But Carolyn Patten, the mana