BJ’s Wholesale Club to open first Staten Island location in this popular shopping center

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — BJ’s Wholesale Club will soon open its first Staten Island warehouse store, bringing life back to a portion of Charleston’s Bricktown Center, which was previously occupied by Christmas Tree Shops and Bed Bath & Beyond. Company officials estimate that the store will be open later this fiscal year.

“Families in Florida and New York love the value of BJ’s membership, and we’re thrilled to bring unexpected savings to more communities as we expand our footprint,” Bill Werner, executive vice president of strategy and development for BJ’s Wholesale Club, noted in a press release that detailed the brand’s three newest openings — two in Florida and one on Staten Island. “Our real estate pipeline is the strongest it’s been in more than 20 years, and we look forward to helping more families save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day.”

A leading operator of membership warehouse clubs throughout the nation, BJ’s currently operates 244 clubs and 175 BJ’s Gas locations in 20 states. The company defines itself as “a convenient one-stop shopping experience” that includes a vast selection of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, household essentials, pet supplies and exclusive offerings. The press release noted that the new clubs will also “delight shoppers with a treasure-hunt experience,” providing an assortment of both local and seasonal items, as well as home décor, apparel, toys and the latest in tech and much more.”

Headquartered in Marlborough, Mass., the company was founded in 1984. BJ’s is well-known for offering discount wholesale pricing on a variety of name-brand products, as well as for the acceptance of all valid manufacturers’ coupons and many forms of payment — cash, check, ATM/debit cards, all major credit cards and EBT/SNAP benefits.

Membership is required and must be renewed yearly. According to the retailer’s website, a standard Club Card membership costs $55 per year, while a Club Card+ membership — which offers extra-added incentives like 2% rewards on every purchase — costs $110 per year.

In addition to in-club shopping, BJ’s also offers curbside pickup, in-club pickup, same-day delivery and standard delivery from BJs.com. When shopping in-club, members have access to ExpressPay through the BJ’s mobile app, a service that allows shoppers to scan products as they go and avoid the checkout line.

This is not the first time BJ’s has tried to open a Staten Island location: In 2017, the City Council approved controversial development plans that would place the warehouse club next to wetlands in Mariners Harbor. Community concerns over flooding, traffic and environmental preservation plagued the project, however, and litigation brought against the developers by the Staten Island Coalition of Wetlands and Forests also stalled its progress.

The news of this South Shore opening comes just one month after Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG) — which is in charge of leasing space at Bricktown Center — confirmed that Homegoods and Five Below will open there at the end of this summer. BDG did not respond to a request for comment about BJ’s opening.

According to BJ’s press release, the Charleston location is expected to create approximately 150 jobs and hiring is expected to start soon. Those looking to learn more about becoming a BJ’s team member can visit BJs.com/careers.