STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The aisles are fully stocked with groceries and the bakery is already pumping out batches of fresh cookies, cakes and pies. Electronics, apparel and home goods — many labeled with some deeply discounted price tags — are also on display. Staten Island’s first BJ’s Wholesale Club is ready for its April 25th grand opening and the Advance/SILive got an exclusive first look inside.
“What makes this store unique is the value we offer our customers and the fact that we truly are a one-stop-shop,” noted Kirk Saville, BJ’s head of communications, who led an aisle by aisle tour on Thursday. “Yes, we are a warehouse that sells items in bulk, but you’ll also find smaller packages here — regular size servings of produce, freshly cut deli meats, smaller portions of fruit — we offer much more than your average club store.”
There’s proof of that in almost all departments: Half gallons of milk and 18-count cartons of eggs are situated next to their bigger, bulkier counterparts; spinach is sold in both 16 oz. and 4 lb. varieties.
“You can do your weekly grocery shopping here and pick up a bathing suit in the same trip,” Saville said. “BJ’s is all about convenience. There’s really no need to go to multiple stores.”
The store itself is bright and spacious, with little evidence of the Christmas Tree Shop and Bed Bath & Beyond stores that once occupied the same footprint. The layout is similar to other warehouse-style stores — electronics in the front, followed by small appliances and home improvement items. Apparel, books and toys are in the center aisles, while the bakery, deli and meat department line the back wall. Frozen foods and dairy are situated on the other side of the store.
There are eight regular registers and nine self-service checkouts, which can accommodate orders of 20 items or less. The store’s ExpressPay technology allows shoppers to scan items with their phone and pay in the app without waiting in line. You just have to show employees a code when you exit.
“We’ve put a lot of thought into the shopping experience,” Saville said, detailing the store’s hours, which are Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“Our app allows customers to shop and scan without having to wait in line to check out,” Saville continued. “You can clip coupons in there too and arrange for curbside pick-up if you don’t have time to come in and do the shopping yourself.”…