BJ's bubbles with CSD merchandising.(food & consumables / beverages)(carbonated-soft-drink)(BJ's Wholesale Club)

Warehouse clubs might not seem to be the retailers best suited for building on carbonated-soft-drink introductions, given the SKU restrictions they undertake. However, BJ's doesn't regard itself as at a disadvantage, even given expanding CSD assortments and complementary product additions.

Working the business model is the key, and in doing so, BJ's makes a virtue of necessity. "You still look at the 80/20 rule," senior vp of grocery and perishables Bruce Graham told Retailing Today. "You have to be relevant to the members."

BJ's, which had been relatively expansive with SKU count early in the decade has lately become more conservative about the number of …