The combined sales of the Top 3 club stores — Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club — reached an estimated $158.4 billion in 2017, up 2.9 percent over 2016, according to Chicago-based Mintel’s June 2017 report “Warehouse Clubs US.” Yet, shrinking households no longer needing to purchase bulk items, eCommerce profitability and the cost of membership fees are barriers to the success of club stores.
Membership requirements also do not prevent warehouse clubs from outside competition. However, Mintel’s report notes that warehouse clubs nonetheless have been able to stand out from other retailers and online rivals.