BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open in Johnson City: What to know
A BJ’s Wholesale Club is officially on the way to Johnson City.
The company announced Thursday that Johnson City is among five new clubs joining its portfolio. The others are in Madison, Alabama; Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; Lewis Center, Ohio; Davenport, Florida; and McDonough, Georgia.
BJ’s has not released the exact location of its Johnson City store, but the company's reported plan for it — which includes a BJ's gas station — coincides with development underway at the space formerly occupied by BonTon on the east side of the Oakdale Commons.
In September, the Johnson City Planning Board discussed a need to make space for fuel dispensing aisles – the kind used as gasoline station bays – near the parcel known as “Anchor Tenant No. 2,” on the east end of the mall property along Reynolds Road.
BJ's has not announced a target date to open its doors to club members in Johnson City.
BJ’s impact on local jobs, shopping opportunities
Each new BJ’s location is projected to create around 150 jobs, said the company, with hiring expected to start soon.
BJ’s has nearly 50 locations in New York state. The only club within 50 miles of Johnson City is Ithaca, according to BJ’s club locator. The new store in Alabama will mark the 20th state with a BJ’s Club.
“We are always striving to bring our BJ’s membership model to new markets and even more smart-saving families,” said Bill Werner, executive vice president, strategy and development, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We have seen tremendous success with our newest openings. Our expansion into Tennessee and Alabama shortly thereafter is a great example of our efforts to meet the demand for the value, convenience, and assortment that BJ’s has to offer its growing member base.”
Oakdale Commons is transforming: What we know, don't know about Johnson City development
BJ’s has been operating its warehouse club model since 1984 and now has over 230 clubs and 165 BJ’s gas locations. BJ’s said Johnson City and its other new clubs will carry local and seasonal items, as well as home décor, apparel, toys and the latest in tech. BJ’s Clubs also offer fresh foods, produce, a deli, household essentials, pet supplies and exclusive offerings.
The company offers members various shopping options, such as ExpressPay, in-club shopping, curbside pickup, in-club pickup and same-day delivery in some clubs.
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Where BJ’s Club fits with new developments at Oakdale Commons
A local development group led by the Matthews and Newman families, Spark JC, purchased the Oakdale Mall in early 2022 and rebranded it Oakdale Commons. Since then, Broome County’s shopping mecca has seen a flurry of comings and goings as Spark JC puts its stamp on the facility.
Some longtime tenants departed, like Aeropostale, Eddie Bauer and Burlington, while others — Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill — are planning to move in. In August, Dick’s Sporting Goods announced plans for a massive new House of Sport facility at the site. The 140,000 square-foot, two-level store will include an indoor climbing wall and batting cages alongside the chain’s largest-ever retail space.
Outside, a 17,000-square-foot turf field with a track will allow people to try products and double as an ice rink during the winter.
The north anchor space at the mall, once a Sears store, was purchased in 2019 and redeveloped into Factory By Beer Tree brewpub and offices leased by Broome County. A Lourdes Wellness Center opened on that end of the mall in 2022.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: BJ’s Wholesale Club plans Johnson City store: What to know
