By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – BJ’s Wholesale Club will open its doors in 2019, Mayor Rick Sollars announced Nov. 21, next to Menards, at Eureka and I-75, the former site of the Gibraltar Trade Center.
The nationwide chain, which recently announced its expansion into southeast Michigan, also plans to open a store in Madison Heights.
“BJ’s Wholesale Club locating in Trader’s Pointe is another win for the city of Taylor, and its business and entertainment district,” Sollars said. “BJ’s is the next step in the creation of Trader’s Pointe. It is a major competitor to nationwide brands like Cosco and Sam’s Club, and is as good or better than its competition.”
Sollars said the location was a good fit for the store and the city.
Karl Ziomek, Taylor Communications and Marketing director, said the store will occupy a space just less than 100,000 square feet, and is expected to generate 300 news jobs, as well as construction employment during the building phase of the facility.
Ziomek said the East Coast-based chain is known for its fresh produce, meat, bakery and deli, and for low prices on grocery items. A gas station on site will offer competitive fuel prices.
Nationwide, BJ’s donates unsold perishable food items on a daily basis to local Feeding America food banks.
“We’re thrilled to enter such a dynamic market and be a part of Michigan’s future,” Christopher Baldwin, BJ’s chairman and CEO said. “BJ’s is known for helping hard-working families save money, and metro Detroit is a great fit for our clubs. We see significant potential in the region.”
The store also offers online ordering, with scheduled pickups, and digital coupons.
For more information, go to bjs.com.
(Sue Suchyta can be reached at [email protected])