Newark, New Jersey: Burlington Coat Factory may be coming to Newark.
A source who asked not to be identified tells Essex County Place that the company is looking to lease 729-737 Broad Street in Downtown Newark, between Academy Street and Raymond Boulevard.
The building in question is currently occupied by Regine's Super Store, Payless Shoe Source, and Dollar Bazar. New York & Company used to have a store in the building, and there is an entrance to the underground Military Park Station on the Newark Light Rail directly in front. According to the National Park Service, the building dates to 1954.
Burlington would lease the building from Jenel Management. When Essex County Place reached out to Jenel, a representative said that he could offer "no confirmation whatsoever" about the business moving into the building. Alan Eichberg of Burlington told Essex County Place in June that "we are working on a potential Newark location", and said yesterday that due to corporate policy, he could not comment regarding the possible new store. Currently, there are no Burlington locations in Essex County, though there are stores in nearby Elizabeth, East Hanover, Wayne, and Montville.
The Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (Newark CEDC) has already begun marketing the store in promotional materials. A recent presentation advertised that it would be 39,000 square feet, and the Newark CEDC's listing of new retail in the city featured the company.
In February, new signage and a renovation of the building facade was approved by the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
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