"What makes the store very exciting is that the merchandise changes from week to week," said Todd Rosenberg, Big Lots district manager. Rosenberg said the location in Cortlandt was chosen because it was on a main thoroughfare.
The 20,300-square-foot store, at 2990 E. Main St., Cortlandt, sells "thousands of products available from everyday consumables, seasonal goods, home decor, electronics, toys, and one-time closeouts," according to a press release.
The Big Lots in Cortlandt Manor is the first in Westchester County. Rosenberg said the company hopes to attract customers from Putnam County and the Bronx as well as those from Westchester.
Rosenberg said the discount retailer has done well since hard times hit. "We've dramatically increased the number of stores since 2008," he said. Big Lots recently purchased a Canadian retail chain as well.
Currently, the Ohio-based company operates more than 1,450 stores in 48 states. More than 70 employees work at the new Cortlandt Manor location, five of whom are full-time managers. The majority of the remaining employees are part-time.
"I'm delighted that a new store came in," said Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi, who delivered a proclamation to Big Lots at Friday's ceremony. She said she is in the market for a new microwave oven, and she intends to return to purchase one.
"There's a minimum of 60 people that are hired, so that's great for employment in the area," Puglisi said. "Tax revenue is shared between the school district, the town and county. I wish them well."
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