BJ’s Wholesale Club, a fixture in the American retail landscape, is embarking on a series of ambitious expansions and new openings across the country as it seeks to solidify its position in the highly competitive warehouse club sector. With recent approvals for major projects in New York and Texas, strong membership drives in South Carolina, and continued confidence from Wall Street, the company’s momentum heading into 2026 is unmistakable.
On September 18, 2025, the Riverhead Planning Board in New York gave preliminary approval for a significant expansion of BJ’s Wholesale Club at East End Commons on Route 58. According to RiverheadLOCAL, the plan calls for a 10,530-square-foot addition to the existing 191,348-square-foot store, to be built on the north side in an area currently used for parking. The expansion also includes a new 16-vehicle gas station and various site improvements. Construction of the gas station is expected to wrap up by early 2026, providing a much-needed solution to traffic congestion at BJ’s current eight-pump station located half a mile away at Route 58 and Ostrander Avenue. That station, open exclusively to club members and known for its competitive fuel prices, has often created traffic backups—a headache for many local drivers. An attorney representing BJ’s told the Planning Board that the new station should ease those traffic woes.
Riverhead’s approval process also included several other local projects, but the BJ’s expansion stood out for its scale and potential impact. The board’s resolution determined that the project would not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts, clearing a major regulatory hurdle. The expansion is just one piece of a broader growth strategy that’s playing out nationwide.
Down south, BJ’s is making a splash in Sumter, South Carolina. On September 24, 2025, customers began signing up for founding memberships at a new membership center in Independents’ Hall Plaza, about a mile from the company’s new large-scale construction site on Alice Drive, directly across from a Walmart Supercenter. Early membership registration runs through December 11, with discounted rates—$40 for a Club Card Membership (normally $60) and $80 for a Club+ Card Membership (normally $120), which comes with extra perks. The membership center, open seven days a week, is already drawing interest from locals eager to take advantage of the deals before the store’s planned winter 2025 opening. According to the company’s website, a membership is required to shop at the club, with the exception of a one-day online shopping pass. BJ’s also offers a 100% money-back guarantee on memberships, making it a low-risk proposition for new customers.
Meanwhile, in Tyler, Texas, BJ’s is preparing to break ground on a brand-new, 106,059-square-foot store in the Parkside Development, just across from The Village at Cumberland Park. As reported by KLTV, the $9 million project received the green light from the Tyler City Council in August and was officially registered with the state on September 23. Construction is slated to begin on January 20, 2026, with completion targeted for June 20 of the same year. Like other BJ’s locations, the Tyler store will require a membership for shopping and will include a fuel center, further cementing the chain’s reputation as a one-stop shop for groceries, household goods, and affordable gas.
These physical expansions come at a time when BJ’s Wholesale Club is also making waves in the financial world. On September 21, 2025, MarketBeat reported that Wright Investors Service Inc. had purchased 7,734 shares of BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc., valued at approximately $834,000 during the second quarter. This move is part of a broader trend—other institutional investors have also increased or established new positions in BJ’s throughout the year. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC, for example, nearly doubled its stake in the company during the first quarter, while Contravisory Investment Management Inc. bought in with a $9.8 million position. Institutional investors now own a staggering 98.60% of BJ’s stock, a testament to Wall Street’s confidence in the company’s prospects.
Financially, BJ’s has delivered solid results. The company reported earnings on August 22, 2025, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.14, beating analyst estimates by $0.04. Revenue came in at $5.38 billion for the quarter, marking a 3.2% increase year over year. BJ’s set its full-year 2025 guidance at 4.200–4.35 EPS, with analysts predicting 3.96 EPS for the year. As of September 23, the stock was trading at $96.39 per share, with a market capitalization of $12.7 billion. The company’s financial health is further underscored by a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19 and a return on equity of 30.40%.
Insider activity has also been notable. Executive Vice President Graham Luce sold 6,300 shares on September 17, 2025, at an average price of $99.86, while CEO Robert W. Eddy sold 17,900 shares in July at $107.08 per share. Despite these sales, insiders still own 1.40% of the company, and the overall consensus among Wall Street analysts remains positive. Nine analysts have rated BJ’s a “Buy” and nine a “Hold,” with a consensus target price of $114.63. According to a recent Seeking Alpha analyst article published on September 23, 2025, the company’s fundamentals “remain very well intact,” reinforcing the optimistic outlook.
BJ’s business model, which centers on paid memberships and a wide array of product categories—from groceries and electronics to furniture and outdoor living—continues to resonate with consumers. The company’s focus on value, convenience, and exclusive member benefits has helped it carve out a loyal customer base, even as it faces stiff competition from rivals like Costco and Sam’s Club.
It’s not all about expansion, though; BJ’s is also investing in operational improvements. The new gas station in Riverhead, for example, is expected to alleviate local traffic congestion and improve the shopping experience for members. In Sumter, the early membership drive not only generates buzz but also helps the company gauge local demand and tailor its offerings accordingly. And in Tyler, the strategic location near a major shopping center positions the new club for maximum foot traffic and visibility.
As BJ’s Wholesale Club moves forward with these projects, it’s clear that the company is betting big on growth—both in terms of physical footprint and customer loyalty. With new stores opening, expanded services on the way, and strong support from investors, BJ’s appears well-positioned to thrive in the evolving retail landscape. For consumers and shareholders alike, the coming year promises to be an eventful one for this membership-based retail giant.
