Pros and cons of retail membership

Amazon Prime. People say it so often, it’s almost a verb: as in: ‘Just prime it and you’ll have it in two days!’ Now, more and more retailers are offering membership plans –– betting that you’ll pay a fee for the privilege of shopping with them. In exchange, they offer perks like free shipping, discounts and even interior design consultations. But before you join, Consumer Reports says, just be sure to weigh the pros and the cons. More and more retailers are offering membership plans, betting that you’ll pay a fee for the privilege of shopping with them. In exchange, they offer perks like free shipping. But before you join, Consumer Reports says, just be sure to weigh the pros and the cons.