MELROSE—A new Burlington Department Store opened today at the old Alexander’s building (which was also a Conway’s) on Third Avenue and 153rd Street.
The massive store occupies just under 40,000 square feet on the second and third floor of the building which just recently underwent a multi-million dollar gut renovation after being purchased in 2013 for just over $16 million.
Burlington’s arrival at the Third Avenue Business Improvement District at The Hub, The Bronx’s oldest shopping district, brings back the type of one stop shopping destination like Alexander’s used to be for decades until it closed down in the 1992 after declaring bankruptcy.
Many residents were already eagerly shopping at the new location when we arrived and expressed excitement at having a Burlington so easily accessible in the neighborhood but not everyone was thrilled.
A local small business owner, who wished to remain anonymous in fear of losing their lease, said they are concerned about already high rents at The Hub and how they will most likely increase now that big chain stores like Burlington continue to make their way into the area.
With increased confidence in the real estate market in the South Bronx, it is becoming increasingly difficult for mom and pop shops to stay afloat not to mention almost impossible to open up as rents continue to rise beyond the grasp of the average business owner.
Only time will tell what kind of an impact Burlington will have along Third Avenue.
Marshall’s will also be opening at the same location later this Spring.
The new store is open 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday from 9:30AM to 10PM and Sundays from 9:30AM-9:30PM.
