BJ's Wholesale Club Reports August Sales.

NATICK, Mass. -- BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. (NYSE:BJ) today reported that sales for August 2004 increased by 8.3% to $534.0 million from $493.2 million in August 2003. On a comparable club basis, sales increased by 4.5% for the month of August, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of approximately 1.1%.

Commenting on August sales, BJ's president and CEO, Mike Wedge, said, "We are pleased with our sales results against last year's double-digit comparable club sales increase. On a comparable club basis, sales of food increased by approximately 8% while sales of general merchandise decreased by approximately 3%. The calendar shift in pre-Labor Day sales into September this year had a negative impact on comparable club sales in the range of 1% to 1.5%."

Sales Results for August 2004
                           ($ in thousands)

      Four Weeks Ended                         % Change
    August 28,     August 30,             Net           Comp.
      2004           2003                 Sales         Sales
 $   534,005     $  493,170                8.3%          4.5%

      Thirty Weeks Ended                       % Change
    August 28,      August 30,            Net           Comp.
      2004            2003                Sales         Sales
 $ 3,984,951     $ 3,565,736              11.8%          7.2%

The Company provided the following additional information regarding August sales:

Comparable club sales increased in all major markets with the highest increase in the Southeast region. Comparable club sales results were strongest in week two and softest in week four.

Excluding sales of gasoline, August traffic was approximately flat, due in part to the Labor Day calendar shift versus last year, and the average transaction amount rose by approximately 4%. In August of 2003, traffic increased by 7% and the average transaction amount was essentially flat versus the prior year.

Merchandise categories with the strongest sales increases compared to last year included baby food, dairy, digital cameras, domestics, health & beauty aids, household chemicals, meat, milk, paper products, pet food and TVs. Weaker categories included air conditioners & fans, audio electronics, prerecorded video, residential furniture, storage and toys. Sales also declined in categories that were contracted or eliminated earlier in the year, including automotive, office supplies and sporting goods.

BJ's introduced the wholesale club concept to New England in 1984 and has since expanded to become a leading warehouse chain in the eastern United States. The Company currently operates 152 clubs and 80 gas stations compared with 145 clubs and 75 gas stations one year ago. BJ's press releases and filings with the SEC are available on the Internet at www.bjs.com.