By Alex Ginsberg
Bargain-hunters thronged the Burlington Coat Factory in the Glen Oaks Shopping Center Friday as the new store opened its doors to mostly rave reviews.
“It's been fantastic,” said regional manager Bill Minyard. “It's been much busier than we anticipated.”
The two-level store was crowded Friday afternoon as shoppers strolled through 53,000 square feet of varied offerings: coats, apparel, shoes, accessories, furniture, baby clothes and toys. Red banners everywhere proclaimed “Grand Opening.”
A crowd was waiting outside the store – the New Jersey-based chain's first in Queens - in the parking lot at 8 a.m., an hour and a half before it was scheduled to open, Minyard said.
He called the turnout “gravy,” noting that when a store opens on a Friday, managers don't expect the “big hit” in sales to come until Saturday and Sunday.
Television ads that began running Thursday may have contributed to the good response. There was also a good deal of anticipation built up during the long interval since Kmart moved out of the Union Turnpike location in March 2002.
“I thought the store was nice,” said Nicolette Epperson of Queens Village, who purchased Spider-Man pajamas for her three sons. “The associates are excellent. Helpful. It's very clean. Great selection and the prices are great.”
Many customers were surprised to learn that Burlington Coat Factory offered more than its name might suggest, Minyard said.
“They're excited that it's not just coats,” he said, although he added that coats were among the top sellers so far along with ladies' sportswear and men's clothing.
Not all customers, however, went home happy.
“I liked Kmart better,” said one New Hyde Park resident, who gave her name only as Kathy. “They had more stuff. This is too hoity-toity for this neighborhood.”
Mary paid $13 for a shirt-and-tie combination for her husband – a tough deal to beat – but still had complaints.
“I didn't get any free gifts,” she said. “Kmart gave out free gifts when they opened.”
Reach reporter Alex Ginsberg by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 157.
