BJ’s April Sales Up 5.5%; Comps Increase 1.2%

BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. reported sales for April of $599.8 million, an increased of 5.5% from $568.5 million in April 2005. On a comparable club basis, sales increased by 1.2%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of approximately 1.5%. Due to the timing of Easter, the April sales period included 27 days this year versus 28 days last year. The calendar shift impacted sales negatively by approximately 1.5% to 2.0%.

Last year, the company reported a comparable club sales increase of 8.4% for April, including a contribution of 1.2% from sales of gasoline.

For the first quarter ended April 29, 2006, total sales were approximately $1.9 billion, an increase of 6.3% over the first quarter of 2005. Comparable club sales for the first quarter of 2006 increased by 2.0%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 1.4%. In 2005, the company reported a comparable club sales increase for the first quarter of 5.8%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 0.7%.

                        Sales Results for April
                           ($ in thousands)

        Four Weeks Ended                        % Change
    April 29,      April 30,               Net             Comp.
      2006           2005                 Sales            Sales
   $ 599,781      $ 568,474                5.5%             1.2%


                  Sales Results for the First Quarter
                           ($ in thousands)

      Thirteen Weeks Ended                      % Change
    April 29,      April 30,               Net             Comp.
      2006           2005                 Sales            Sales
  $ 1,880,248    $ 1,768,789               6.3 %            2.0%

The company provided the following additional information regarding April 2006 sales for BJ's Wholesale Club:

On a comparable club basis, sales increased in all major markets, with the highest increase in the Southeast. Comparable club sales increased during weeks one, two and four, and decreased during week three due to the Easter shift. Excluding sales of gasoline, the average transaction amount for the month of April rose by approximately 4% and traffic decreased by approximately 4%.

On a comparable club basis, food sales were slightly positive and general merchandise sales decreased by approximately 2%. Categories with strong comparable club sales increases compared to last year included candy, household chemicals, electronics, personal health, produce, residential furniture, sporting goods, televisions and toys. Weaker categories versus last year included apparel, computer equipment, fresh meat, jewelry and tires.