MARLBOROUGH, MA - BJ’s Wholesale Club is making significant strides in its supply chain operations with the announcement of its fourth ambient distribution center, set to be built in Commercial Point, Ohio. The new facility, which is expected to open in early 2027, will support the company’s growing footprint, including its eight BJ’s clubs in Ohio.

The new distribution center is part of BJ’s ongoing efforts to expand its supply chain capacity and meet the demands of its rapidly growing membership base. Over the past five years, BJ’s has opened more than 30 clubs, with its 250th club in Louisville, Kentucky, slated to open on January 31st.

Membership has also grown by over 35 percent during this period, reaching an impressive 7.5 million members. As stated in a press release, the new facility will enable BJ’s to continue delivering “unbeatable value, convenience and assortment” to its members.

“Our business has grown meaningfully over the years, and we continue to invest in our supply chain to better serve members,” said Krystyna Kostka, SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer at BJ’s Wholesale Club. “With the opening of this new distribution center, we’ll have the agility to support our clubs more efficiently than ever—ensuring members have the products they need, when and where they expect them— all at unbeatable value.”

The state-of-the-art, 500,000-square-foot facility will feature advanced automation solutions provided by Swisslog, a leader in warehouse automation and software. According to the release, the facility will include automated pallet storage, case-handling equipment, and mixed-case pallet building to streamline club-friendly replenishment.

“Swisslog is pleased to support BJ’s Wholesale Club’s supply chain with innovative automation solutions that will help it maintain optimal inventory levels to support its growing network of clubs,” said Sean Wallingford, President and CEO of Swisslog Americas. “The project reinforces Swisslog’s commitment to empowering retailers with efficient, reliable and sustainable logistics solutions tailored to their unique business requirements.”

The Commercial Point facility will serve as a hub for replenishing ambient-temperature grocery and general merchandise items across BJ’s network. Situated on a 125-acre site, the building will also allow for future expansion. VanTrust Real Estate, a Columbus-based developer with a strong track record in Ohio, is managing the project.

“The project at Rickenbacker Exchange at Commercial Point is a tremendous opportunity for the economic growth of Pickaway County,” said Phil Rasey, Vice President at VanTrust Real Estate. “VanTrust is honored to partner with BJ’s Wholesale Club as we work to bring new business to the Village of Commercial Point.”

With this new facility, BJ’s Wholesale Club is positioning itself for continued growth and operational efficiency, ensuring its members receive the value and convenience they’ve come to expect.

DENVER, CO - U.S. retail sales of potatoes remained strong from January–December 2024, as volume sales increased 3.1 percent, and dollar sales rose 0.7 percent to $18.2 billion. All categories of potatoes increased in volume sales.

Key Category Highlights

• Volume sales rose for the three largest potato categories—chips (+2.5 percent), fresh (+3 percent) and frozen (+4.5 percent). Chips maintained their top volume sales position at 37 percent of total sales, followed by fresh at 33 percent and frozen at 17 percent.
• Canned potatoes are a small category (0.03%) but saw significant growth in volume sales (+15.9 percent).
• All calculations are based on Fresh Weight Equivalent.

Fresh Potatoes: Volume Sales Up, Dollar Sales Down as Prices Drop

• While overall volume sales for fresh potatoes increased, dollar sales declined 4.9 percent and were mixed across categories as consumer prices fell. For example, fingerling dollar sales increased by 11.6% followed by medley (10.1 percent) and yellow (5.2 percent). At the same time, dollar sales of russets decreased 8.8 percent, along with white (-10.2 percent), red (-9.8 percent) and purple potatoes (-9.5 percent).
• Volume sales grew for all fresh potato pack sizes except those greater than 10 pounds, which decreased 26.2 percent by volume sales and 31.9 percent by dollar sales. Volume sales of 8-pound pack sizes grew 23.8 percent; 2-4-pound pack sizes grew 6.8 percent; and 10-pound pack sizes grew 4.6 percent.

Chips, Frozen, and Other Types: Volume, Dollar Sales

• According to a release, the other two largest categories by volume—chips and frozen—saw volume sales rise along with dollar sales in 2024. Chips saw a 2.5 percent volume sales increase, and dollar sales increased by 2.1 percent to $8.8 billion. Frozen potatoes saw a 4.5 percent volume sales increase, and dollar sales increased by 3.18 percent to $3.3 billion. All other categories, including instant, refrigerated, and canned potatoes, as well as deli-prepared sides, increased both volume and dollar sales.
• Circana (IRI) compiles these figures by working directly with retailers. Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports or the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein.