BJ’s Wholesale Club launches e-commerce site

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. recently launched online shopping at its corporate site, BJs.com, becoming the last of the major discount chains to enter retail e-commerce.

BJs.com is offering online sales in six product categories—computers, electronics, entertainment, non-grocery home products, gifts and jewelry—in addition to its information-only content on other BJ’s categories, including automotive accessories, toys, groceries and services such as car-buying assistance.

BJ’s charges an annual membership fee of $45 for individual consumers, though it’s currently offering a free temporary membership to online shoppers who enter their e-mail address along with other personal information.

BJ’s, which operates more than 160 stores in 16 states in the eastern U.S., posted net sales of $2.09 billion for the second quarter ended July 29, up 5.6% from a year ago, as net income declined 13.3% to $26.4 million.