New York City – The proposal to build a Costco store in an apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is gaining an important supporter: Mayor Bloomberg.
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At a press conference yesterday, Mr. Bloomberg said bringing the big-box warehouse chain to the city would help New Yorkers weather a difficult economic downturn. “Costco has a reputation of selling in bulk at very low prices, and given the economy today and the public’s desire to buy things in bulk and buy them cheaper, it seems to me we should welcome any store that wants to come here,” he said.
The big-box chain’s push for a store along the West Side Highway between 59th and 61st streets as part of a planned development by Extell Development Co. has sparked fierce opposition from local elected officials, business groups, and unions. The district’s council member, Gale Brewer, and Assembly member, Linda Rosenthal, have expressed concern that the store will increase traffic in the area and push out small businesses.
But Mr. Bloomberg said yesterday that efforts to prevent specific stores from opening in New York in favor of others are counterproductive and put the city on “a dangerous road” that could limit jobs and revenues at a time when taxpayers need help the most. Instead, he urged the city to bring in as many businesses as possible in order to boost the economy.
“If Costco or any other store or company wants to come here, we’d love to be a catalyst and help them find land, create the kind of jobs we need in this city, and give our citizens the opportunity to have a broader range of goods to buy at better prices,” Mr. Bloomberg said. “That’s what competition is all about.”
Create jobs that this city need? Costco doesn’t pay enough to allow their employees to live in NY.
If Bloomberg is so much in favor of Costco, which charges membership, why doesn’t he help push for Walmart, which offers the same low prices to everyone. You don’t necessarily even need a truck to get out of Walmart, as you don’t have to buy in bulk. Unless you want to, of course.
to anon 9:19
the answer is UNION
actualy, costco pays their employees more than all the other big box stores in america.
i just don’t understand where NYers will put the bulk costco items in their 600 sq/f apts???
Mr Bloomberg if you would like any store to come here in NYC why dont they let in WALMART??? atleast in walmart you dont have to pay membership!!!!!!
isint costco owned by frume yiden? if yes then give them buisnes!!!
the yiden think they own costco
I think that there is no cheaper store than costco, even bj’s can’t beat there prices!! There is even some costco who sells gas for jersey prices…