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A 2 Z Cash and Carry: Bulk Groceries and Restaurant Supplies in South Carolina

What A 2 Z Cash and Carry offers

A 2 Z Cash and Carry is a membership-based wholesale grocer with locations across South Carolina that sells food, beverages, and supplies in bulk quantities at lower per-unit prices than traditional grocery stores. The store caters to both individual shoppers looking to stock up and small business owners—restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and convenience stores—who need to purchase in volume.

The warehouse format means you'll find products organized by category with minimal frills: no checkout baggers, no prepared foods counter, and no loyalty card rewards. What you get instead is direct access to wholesale pricing on items ranging from fresh produce and meat to dry goods, beverages, frozen foods, and commercial kitchen supplies. Most locations also stock paper products, cleaning supplies, and some non-food items.

Membership is required to shop, and the annual fee varies by membership tier. The store operates on a cash-and-carry model, meaning you pay upfront and transport your own purchases—no delivery service is included at most locations.

Key Takeaways

  • A 2 Z Cash and Carry requires an annual membership to shop, with different tiers available depending on whether you're a business or individual buyer.
  • Bulk purchases mean lower per-unit prices, but you need storage space at home or a business location to make the savings worthwhile.
  • The warehouse format stocks fresh produce, meat, frozen goods, dry goods, beverages, and commercial supplies, but selection and availability vary by location.
  • You transport your own purchases, so plan for a vehicle large enough to carry a full cart of wholesale quantities.

Membership types and costs

A 2 Z Cash and Carry offers different membership levels to match how you shop. A standard individual membership covers personal household shopping, while business memberships are designed for restaurant owners, caterers, food service operations, and retail stores. Some locations offer a basic tier at a lower annual cost and a premium tier with additional perks or discounts.

Membership fees are not refundable once purchased, and renewal happens annually. The exact cost and membership options vary by location, so contact your nearest store directly for current pricing and what each tier includes. Many locations post membership information on their storefront or website.

What to expect when you shop

A 2 Z Cash and Carry operates as a warehouse: aisles are wide, products are stacked high, and you select and load items yourself into a cart. There are no price scanners at checkout—prices are marked on shelves or cases, and you pay at the register. Bring your membership card or have your membership number ready at checkout.

Shopping here requires planning. You cannot buy a single apple or one can of beans; most produce comes in bulk quantities, and packaged goods are sold by the case or multi-pack. This works well if you're feeding a family, running a small business, or stocking a pantry for the month. It does not work well if you live alone with limited storage or if you want to try a new product without committing to a large quantity.

Parking is typically ample, and the store is designed for quick loading. Bring reusable bags or boxes if you prefer not to use the store's packaging, and plan for checkout to move faster than a traditional grocery store since there are fewer transactions per hour.

Product selection and availability

A 2 Z Cash and Carry stocks fresh produce, meat (including bulk cuts for businesses), frozen vegetables and prepared foods, dry goods like rice and flour, canned goods, beverages, dairy products, and frozen desserts. Many locations also carry commercial kitchen equipment, paper products, and cleaning supplies. The produce section rotates with the season, and meat selection is often more extensive than in standard grocery stores because the format serves restaurants and caterers.

Availability varies by location and season. A store in a college town may stock different items than one in a rural area, and seasonal produce appears and disappears throughout the year. If you're shopping for a specific item, call ahead rather than making a trip only to find it out of stock. Prices fluctuate with wholesale markets, so the cost of produce or meat may change week to week.

Locations across South Carolina

A 2 Z Cash and Carry operates multiple locations throughout South Carolina, with stores in areas including the Midlands, Lowcountry, and Upstate regions. Each location serves its local community and may have slightly different hours, membership costs, and product selection. The company does not operate a single central warehouse; each store is independently stocked and managed.

To find the location nearest you, search online for "A 2 Z Cash and Carry South Carolina" or call directory assistance. Store hours vary, and some locations close on Sundays or have limited weekend hours, so confirm before you visit. Many stores are open early to serve business customers before the lunch rush.

When A 2 Z Cash and Carry makes sense for you

Wholesale shopping saves money if you have the storage space and the household size (or business volume) to use bulk quantities before they spoil. A family of four or more, a small restaurant, or a food service business typically sees real savings. A single person or couple with a small kitchen may find that bulk purchases go bad before use, which erases any price advantage.

The membership fee is an upfront cost that you need to recoup through savings. If you shop once a month and buy $200 worth of groceries at 15 to 20 percent below retail prices, you save $30 to $40 per trip—enough to justify a $50 annual membership in three to four months. If you shop less frequently or buy only a few items, the membership may not pay for itself.

A 2 Z Cash and Carry also works well for people who cook from scratch, preserve food, or meal-prep for the week. If you buy mostly prepared foods or convenience items, the bulk format offers less advantage because those products often cost less per unit at regular grocery stores than at wholesale.

How to get your free guide

Visit a location near you with a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). You'll fill out a membership application, choose your membership tier, and pay the annual fee. Some locations allow you to shop the same day; others may require you to wait for your membership card to be processed. Ask the staff when you can start shopping.

Bring a vehicle large enough to carry your purchases—a sedan works for small trips, but a truck or SUV is better for full carts. Bring reusable bags or boxes if you prefer them to the store's packaging. On your first visit, plan to spend extra time learning the layout and seeing what products are available. Bring a list of staples you use regularly so you can compare prices to what you pay at your regular grocery store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license to get a business membership?

Most A 2 Z Cash and Carry locations require proof of business registration or a business license for business memberships, though some accept a business tax ID or resale certificate. Call your nearest location to confirm what documents they need. Individual memberships do not require a business license.

Can I return items if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by location. Most wholesale stores have stricter return policies than traditional groceries—some do not accept returns on food items at all, while others allow returns within a set timeframe with a receipt. Ask about the return policy when you purchase your membership so you know what to expect.

Are prices lower than regular grocery stores?

Per-unit prices are typically lower at wholesale, but the total cost per trip is higher because you're buying in bulk. A dozen eggs might cost less per egg, but you're buying 30 eggs at once. Compare specific items you buy regularly to see whether the membership and bulk quantities make sense for your household or business.

Do you offer delivery or online ordering?

Most A 2 Z Cash and Carry locations operate on a cash-and-carry basis only, meaning you shop in person and transport your own purchases. Some locations may offer limited services, so contact your nearest store to ask whether delivery or online ordering is available in your area.

What payment methods do you accept?

Payment methods vary by location. Most accept cash and major credit cards, but some may have restrictions on certain payment types or require a minimum purchase for card payments. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your nearest location accepts.