New Mall Wows In Its Grand Opening

By Catherine Manzione

The new Rego Park Mall II opened its doors March 3 for the grand openings of both Century 21 and Kohl’s.

The new mall is three stories tall with vibrant colors covering the walls and escalators. The parking lots are connected to each level of the mall which makes it convenient for customers during bad weather. Although there are currently no stores on the first level, there are lovely seating areas that have trees and benches. Both Kohl’s and T.J Maxx occupy the second level of the mall, while Century 21 occupies the whole third level.

Shoppers filled the mall’s escalators and check-out lines on Rego Park Mall II’s opening day.
While T.J Maxx will not open until this Sunday, March 14, Kohl’s held its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:45 a.m. March 3 where, according to employee Gennifer Rose, “there was a line outside already.” By 7 a.m., Kohl’s was officially opened and customers rushed in to shop. While walking under a balloon archway, customers were greeted by numerous sales associates informing them about the promotions that Kohl’s was having. Although the store was packed with customers of every age and race, the store was extremely organized with sales associates available to assist customers in almost every department. When it came time to check out, Kohl’s employees avoided chaos by having associates at the front of the line to direct customers to a cashier.

Store manager James Avellino said that he anticipated the big turnout because of “the big sales, customer convenience, and good customer service” that Kohl’s provides. “I like to call it being paid to shop,” Avellino said of Kohl’s sales that morning. “Our stackable savings sale gives customers $ 10 towards their next purchase every time they spend $50.”

Kohl’s also had a “secret sale.” Customers with a Kohl’s credit card received a scratch off which held savings of 15, 20, or 30 percent off their purchase. When asked if he believed customers were excited about the opening, Avellino said “I think that a lot of people from the neighborhood were excited. This new Kohl’s location has provided 250 jobs for the Rego Park community.”

Avellino also said he believe that Kohl’s “hassle free return policy” is what keeps customers coming back. “Kohl’s has an excellent return policy that makes it convenient for the average customer to shop and not have to worry. For the last five years Kohl’s has been ranked top retailers for customer service by the Nation Retail Federation.”

First-time Kohl’s shopper and Rego Park resident Courtney Clements said that she was excited about the grand opening. “I was impressed with the opening and thought it was very organized,” she said. When asked what attracted her to come to the grand opening, Clements said “it was the sales and convenient location that made me want to come today.”

Century 21 was the second store to open, unlocking their doors at 8:30 a.m. When customers walked into the store, they were greeted by associates to assist them, and a live D.J for their entertainment. Customers were also handed a 25 percent coupon good for any single item towards their always reduced prices. The store was filled with people of every age, from different parts of Queens. Although it was loud and felt like a fast-paced environment, sales associates were able to keep the lines under control and keep the store organized. The store’s employees kept connected by communicating over headsets for prompt responses to customer’s questions.

Store manager Jerry Finkelstein said that he anticipated a large amount of customers for the opening. “Our everyday low prices off retail keep our customers coming back,” he said. When asked what he thought attracted customers to come for the grand opening, Finkelstein said “Century 21 caters to a lot of demographics, which makes it convenient for customers.” Finkelstein also said he believed that overall “the grand opening was successful and extremely organized.”

Long-time Century 21 customer Betty Mayer said that she came all the way from Brooklyn to “see the new store and get the great deals.” Mayer thought the store opening “was very organized,” and would definitely come back again.”

The new mall has brought not only excitement to the Rego Park community, but many new jobs as well. The Rego Park community looks forward the opening of T.J Maxx, and anticipates seeing what else the new mall brings.

Reach Intern Catherine Manzione at cmanzione@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext.124.