12 Ways to Save This Summer at Costco, Sam's, and BJ's

When shoppers think of the savings found at Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's Wholesale Club, food and paper goods likely spring to mind. But the warehouse clubs offer deals on many more products, including some seasonal items. Popsicles, meat for grilling, and oversize containers of condiments can be good buys from warehouse clubs this time of year, although local prices vary and sales may make these items cheaper at a local grocery store. Here are 12 items that promise extra savings when purchased from a warehouse club this summer.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: Insider Secrets for Saving Time and Money at Costco

Getting a good deal on tickets at an amusement park is rare, but coupons and deals are available through warehouse clubs. Costco, for example, offers travel packages to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios that include park discounts. The deals vary and change often, so it pays to scoop them up in the weeks and months before a visit. BJ's features discounts on activities such as Broadway shows, comedy shows, and more. 

Related: 22 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Costco

Beach chairs are often good buys at warehouse clubs. For example, a Tommy Bahama kids beach chair costs just $43 at Costco. and a similar chair starts at about $60 on Tommy Bahama's website. 

Related: The 25 Best Finds at Costco

Warehouse clubs often feature deals on beach towels in the spring and early summer. We saw oversize beach towels for just $15 at Sam's Club, a savings of about $25 over a similar offering on Macy's.

For a backyard party or unwinding at home, nothing screams summer like a fruity cocktail or an ice-cold beer. Costco frequently features seasonal liquor specials, such as tequila for Cinco de Mayo. Prices vary by location, but bulk pricing typically makes liquor a good deal — especially for entertaining. The same goes for beer. Costco previously has offered deals on Leinenkugel Summer Shandy beer and other strictly summer offerings.

Related: The Best Costco-Brand Liquors to Buy — and Which to Leave on the Shelf

Members can take advantage of Costco travel services including car rentals, with discounts and perks such as an additional driver at no cost. The store's low-price finder locates coupons, deals, and discount codes to ensure the best deal possible, making car rental simpler.

Related: 10 Things to Know About Costco Car Rental

Costco frequently offers deals on footwear, including sandals during the warmer months. Nautica slide sandals, for example, cost $13 at Sam's Club compared with $15 for a similar version  on Amazon.

Comparing prices on gardening supplies such as hoses reveals savings at warehouse clubs. A Flexon 100-foot all-season contractor-grade hose is just $20 at BJ's Wholesale Club compared with $37 on Amazon for a similar hose — and it's only 50 feet.

Warehouse club shoppers sacrifice a large selection of colors and models of patio furniture but can find better deals than they would at home improvement stores. A comparison of similar items available online revealed that Costco typically beat Home Depot's prices by $20 to $100 (or more).

Belonging to a warehouse club may help members clean and maintain a backyard pool for less. For example, a 24 count box of Member's Mark Quick Dissolving Shock Stabilizer costs $129  at Sam's Club, while the same product in is $163 from Amazon. 

Related: How to Keep Your Backyard Pool Crystal Clear All Summer Long

Need to spruce up an outdoor space? A wide variety of large potted plants recently available at Costco were priced at $30 and typically would cost about twice that a garden store. What's more, the pots were made of reusable, heavy-duty plastic that could be used for potting other plants, saving money for years to come.

Consumer advocates disagree on whether sunscreen is a good buy at a warehouse club — it may expire long before the bottle is empty — but for a large family who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors, a large container or multipack can be a good value. BJ's sells a bundle with three 7-ounce bottles of Coppertone Sport SPF 30 sunscreen for $18, while a two-pack of 5.5 ounce bottles is listed for $14 on Target.

Related: 19 Health Products and Services That Cost Less at Costco

Disney World and other theme parks aren't the only vacation destinations with discounts from warehouse clubs. Costco Travel offers deals on cruises and vacation packages to various locations with perks exclusive to members, such as resort credits, excursions, and free breakfast.

Related: 19 All-Inclusive Resorts Right Here in the U.S.