BJ's Helps Make Summer Memories by Entertaining at Home

NATICK, Mass., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans have cut back spending this year, cautiously guarding their dollars during the nation's recession. Despite the tough economy, families can still have a great time and build memories by entertaining at home this summer.

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"Families who are watching their budgets closely do not need to sacrifice having a good time, since BJ's makes entertaining at home affordable and memorable," said Chris Neppl, executive vice president of merchandising for BJ's Wholesale Club. "The concept of simpler times is back, reminding us that you can have just as much fun -- if not more -- in your own back yard."

This year, U.S. leisure travelers are expected to take 20 million fewer trips from April to September compared with 2008 and to spend $30 billion less on travel, according to a travel and tourism survey done by Boston-based global forecasting company IHS Global Insight in February.

The money saved from fewer trips can turn into family fun with a barbeque, pool extravaganza or backyard camping at a price that is right. BJ's Wholesale Club has everything families need to create a special time at home, including these suggestions:

Camping Close

Backyard camping can be a blast for children of all ages. Make it a party with a Coleman(R)'s Kohna(TM) Eight-Person Tent, Evanston(TM) Six-Person Tent or Cedar Grove Four-Person Tent. ($149.99, $99.99, $49.99)

And a campfire too. Warm your hands or roast marshmallows over a Living Home(R) Outdoors Slate Tile-Top Fire Pit to make your family's backyard camping experience complete. ($99.99)

Roughing it - conveniently. Save yourself some steps to the refrigerator during your backyard camping trip, and take a Cooler with Drawstring Duffle that holds up to 26 cans. ($19.99)

Paradise at Home

Lay back and relax for the day with a Deluxe Sunbrella(R) Quilted Hammock. You and your family will finally achieve that life of leisure. ($119.99 hammock stand sold separately)

Play tropics. Set up your backyard as if you were in a tropical paradise with a Natural Bamboo Tiki Bar. With four stools, a generous surface and an overhead rack for wine glasses, it's perfect for entertaining friends. And the kids will love ordering soft drinks here too. ($399.99)

Add sizzle to your meals with a gas grill, featuring stainless steel, electronic ignition and rotisserie. The chef of the family -- as well as everyone else -- will enjoy it whether on naycation or not. ($399.99)

Barbeque in style with Cuisinart(R) BBQ Tools, perfect for the grill master in all of us. The stainless steel tool set includes spatula, grill tongs and cleaning brush. ($39.99)

Carrying a torch. Make paradise all the more festive with Living Home(R) Outdoors Mosaic Torches; 72-inch tall bowl-like torches with high powder coated wrought iron stake and finial. ($12.99 each)

Backyard Beach

Cool off with a cool pool -- and you do not need to wait for construction. An Intex(R) Easy Set pool with filter pump, ground cloth, pool cover, ladder, surface skimmer and how-to DVD set will keep families occupied for hours. ($199.99)

Soak up the sun with the Wet Set(R) Pacific Paradise Lounger. This float is big and comfortable enough for four people and features backrests, drink holders, a mesh center, ladder and anchor bag. ($89.99)

Make the pool rock with Poolmaster(R) Aqua Rocker Fun Float, a giant inflatable rocker that holds up to four kids ages 8+. That's cool. ($29.99)

A sand fest always delights the little ones. Bring the beach or playground home with a KidKraft(R) Big Top Wooden Sandbox large enough for multiple kids to play in at once. It has storage benches for buckets, shovels and other toys and a tall canopy top to keep it shady. ($149.99)

Play-arama

Jumping for Joy. Kids can't get enough of a Trampoline with Enclosure, especially one they can bounce around safely without worrying about getting hurt thanks to a 15-foot enclosure. ($299.99)

Keep on climbing. For children ages 2+, the Step2 All-Star Sports Climber lets kids shoot basketballs, toss footballs, climb a ladder and slide all in one. ($99.99)

Simple fun. Some things never get old. Star Wars(R) Kites as well as basic kites will fly high and keep the kids in awe for hours. ($11.99, $17.99)

Batter up. Nothing like a little baseball to make it summertime. Little Tikes Auto Pitch(TM) Batting Trainer helps beginners get ready to play ball in no time. Use it as a T-ball stand, and as the kids improve, convert it to an automatic pitch repeater. ($24.99)

To locate a club or to shop online, go to www.bjs.com. For additional product information, high-resolution images or samples, please contact Jackie Guzman at (561) 998-1995.

About BJ's Wholesale Club

BJ's Wholesale Club is dedicated to providing its members with high-quality, brand name merchandise at prices that are significantly lower than the prices found at supermarkets, supercenters, department stores, drug stores and specialty retail stores. BJ's offers low BJ's Member Pricing on a huge selection of groceries, top-brand apparel and accessories, small appliances, consumer electronics, fine jewelry, and other quality merchandise.

Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. is a leading operator of warehouse clubs in the eastern United States. The Company currently operates 182 clubs and 103 gas stations in 15 eastern states. Learn more about BJ's Wholesale Club or shop online at www.bjs.com.

SOURCE BJ'S Wholesale Club, Inc.

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