The second BJ’s Wholesale Club in the Bronx has opened its doors.
On Thursday, January 7, the box store hosted a private community celebration, officially introducing themselves at 184 W. 237th Street in Riverdale.
The 110,500 square foot warehouse offers over 7,500 items, from food products, home appliances and home goods to electronics, school supplies and patio furniture, among other merchandise.
The store, which had been planning table for the past five years, also offers seasonal merchandise, including items for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Superbowl food and items.
The store amenities include an on-premise bakery, self checkout and a grocery pick-up service.
The private community celebration, which had a Bronx Zoo theme, was kicked off by the Children’s Arts & Science Workshop of P.S./M.S. 37 The Multiple Intelligence School, who participated in a dance performance.
Following the performance, elected officials including Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Senator Jeff Klein spoke about the importance of having another BJ’s Wholesale Club in the Bronx, particularly to service Kingsbridge.
The store, in which 80% of it’s employees are from the Bronx, will have a positive impact on the neighborhood, he said.
“This store will be a major catalyst for the revitalization of the (Broadway) corridor,” said BJ’s Wholesale Club member Ruben Diaz, Jr. about the store, which has created 185 full and part time jobs.
“Within this company, workers will learn about business, grow and become entrepreneurs in their borough,” he said.
During the private celebration, four $2,500 checks were donated by the business to four local organizations, City Harvest, BronxWorks, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and BJ’s Adopt-A-School partner P.S./M.S. 37.
Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting, BJ’s Wholesale Club held a bread breaking ceremony to officially open the store.
“We are looking forward to building our business in the Bronx,” said BJ’s president and chief operating officer Chris Baldwin, who will officially be BJ’s Wholesale Club’s CEO on Monday, February 1.
“If our other New York area clubs are any indication, the Bronx will be a great place to do business for our company,” he said.
“We will provide great opportunity for our Team Members in the new Club and we will also provide uncompromising value to our Members with a particular emphasis on fresh produce, meat, seafood and the latest in home goods and electronics.”
The Riverdale BJ’s Wholesale Club, officially opens on Saturday, January 16. The other BJ’s is located at 610 Exterior Street.
