Want to shop at local BJ's? Wait until next year

Attention, all shoppers: your local BJ’s Wholesale Club won’t be open for about another four months.

The branch of the nationwide, membership-based warehouse store at Riverdale Crossing was originally scheduled to be open the same time as the West 238th Street mall itself — last fall.

But a spokeswoman said complications have delayed the opening to a new expected date of Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016.

“The site was an extremely complex demolition and construction project,” said Maria Fruci, manager of external communications for BJ’s. “It was complicated by a very tight site in a very busy area.”

Riverdale Crossing’s current offerings include three chain restaurants, Petco and Bank of America. The eateries — Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle and Smash Burger — have drawn mixed reviews.

Riverdale resident Mary Hynes said that after two trips to Chipotle, she is never going back. 

“They are too young in there,” she said of the employees. “They just throw the food together. The one near Fordham is better.”

Riverdale Crossing and other stores along Broadway have also come under criticism for predatory towing practices. Riverdale Crossing’s parking lot appears to have employees charged with spotting cars violating the rules. They call up tow companies, who then remove the vehicles within minutes.

Down the road at the recently opened Broadway Plaza, at the intersection with West 230th Street, shoppers are getting into a rhythm of frequenting Aldi’s, Five Below, TJ Maxx and Sports Authority.

However, some customers voiced disappointment with what they described as limited offerings at the TJ Maxx. Kingsbridge resident Fatima Guerrero said she was having trouble finding certain products at the department store.

“This is my first time coming here,” she said. “I’m looking for stuff for my bathroom, but I can’t find anything.” 

Ms. Guerrero added that after wandering the store for several minutes, she could not find any employees to help her, either. 

One floor down, however, at a packed Aldi’s, another Kingsbridge resident named Pedro David said he loves the new grocery store, which sells off-brand products at discount prices.

“We like [the mall],” he said. “It’s nice, it’s convenient and they have a lot of stuff.”

Mr. David said he enjoys going to all the stores at both Broadway Plaza and Riverdale Crossing, adding he cannot wait for BJ’s to open.

Ms. Guerrero said she is still unsure how she feels about shopping at the two new malls.

“It’s so-so,” she said. “There’s a lot of good stuff, but it’s very disorganized.”