BJ's announces expansion into Tennessee—its 19th state.

BJ’s Wholesale Club is capitalizing on its value-is-king model into 2023 as the Marlborough, Massachusetts-based wholesale club announced on Thursday expansion into Tennessee—its 19th state.

The new club will open in La Vergne, 20 miles southeast of downtown Nashville in Rutherford County and is expected to open the first half of the year, BJ’s said in a statement.

The wholesale club also announced plans to open clubs in Davenport, Florida, and McDonough, Georgia, later this month.

“Our club openings in Davenport and McDonough are part of our continued growth within the Orlando and Atlanta markets, respectively,” said Bill Werner, EVP of strategy and development at BJ’s Wholesale Club, in a statement. “Additionally, the opening of our club in La Vergne represents the first of what will be multiple locations in the greater Nashville market. We can’t wait to welcome our newest BJ’s members this year and help provide these local communities with unbeatable value and incredible savings.”

The new locations, which will have a BJ’s gas station, will feature fresh foods and produce, a full-service deli, household essentials, pet supplies and the retailer’s signature "treasure-hunt experience" for BJ’s members. Curbside pickup, in-club pickup ExpressPay and same-day delivery will also be available.

The new clubs will each employ around 150 people and is currently hiring for all locations.

BJ’s isn’t the only wholesale club eyeing growth and expansion. Last month, Walmart-owned warehouse club Sam’s Club unveiled its plans to open 30 new locations across the U.S. over the next several years. The new stores, which will be about 20,000-square-feet-larger than current Sam’s Clubs, will debut in Florida next year.

In leadership news, BJ's on Wednesday announced that Tom Kingsbury resigned from the board on Tuesday. Kingsbury stepped down after his recent appointment as CEO of Kohl’s, the company said. The board intends to name a successor, as well as one for the position recently vacated by Judy Werthauser.

“Tom has brought a wealth of retail knowledge and a track record of driving shareholder value which have served as meaningful contributions to our board and the company,” said Chris Baldwin, chairman of the board, in a statement. “On behalf of our board and the BJ’s management team, we thank Tom for his leadership and counsel over the years and wish him all the best at Kohl’s.”

Looking to boost sales from its most-loyal shoppers, the wholesale club on Wednesday announced that its co-branded Mastercard with Capital One Financial will launch Feb. 27.

"We are always striving to be best in class when it comes to the value of our membership," said Werner in a statement. "Our partnership with Capital One and Mastercard will deliver unmatched rewards to our members with an exceptional customer service experience. Put simply, we expect this new program will be the best program in the retail space."

BJ’s Wholesale Club operates 235 stores across 18 states.