Unlike ordinary retail stores, the membership-only wholesalers offer discounts on items purchased in bulk with a yearly membership fee.

BJ's Wholesale Club at Plantation Point, the shopping center under construction at Capital Boulevard and I-540, has just opened its membership information center. The center is at 6320 Capital Blvd., near the intersection of Old Wake Forest Road.

Signing up now will take a $15 discount off the yearly membership fee of $45. The $30 rate will run through the store's grand opening.

For more information, visit: www.bjs.com/raleigh.

BJs also has locations in Brier Creek and on Glenwood Avenue.

Not to be outdone, Costco has set up membership sign-ups for its store at Six Forks and Wake Forest roads.

Across the street from the construction site, the wholesaling giant has set up tents at intermittent locations.

Costco membership fees are $50. New members will receive a $10 Costco Cash Card. The store is also offering an additional $10 card for those who sign up for Costco's American Express card.

For more information, visit www. costco.com.

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The opening this month of two North Raleigh temporary tenants means tricks and treats can't be far behind.

Spirit Halloween Superstores have opened dual locations north of the Beltline to clad kids and adults in gruesome get-ups.

There's a Spirit in Sutton Square at Falls of the Neuse and Spring Forest roads. Spirit's other store is at Townridge Shopping center south of Glenwood Avenue at Duraleigh Road.

For more information, visit www.spirithalloween.com.