Hackensack–In a community where shoppers look for quality and value, where families of five, six, and even seven members or more are not uncommon, Costco on River Street in Hackensack is a favorite stop for many. Their quality products, fresh produce, and kosher bakery–with increasing kosher products as holidays approach–are the envy of many Costco shoppers in other communities. In addition, its proximity to the Teaneck Jewish community, as well as its accessibility from other areas, is another incentive for shoppers to make Costco a destination.
But on a recent Monday in October Facebook exploded with shocked and frustrated posts. The Bergen Record reported, and The Jewish Link confirmed, Costco plans to close its Hackensack big-box store and open a new one in Teterboro. The site of the new Costco is part of Teterboro Landing, a 63-acre site that previously housed the Bendix Aviation Corporation. According to Catellus, the company developing Teterboro Landing, plans for this area include additional shopping centers, as well as hotel, retail, and office space.
A common sentiment expressed in the Facebook firestorm was complaints about having to drive the extra distance to the new location. Teterboro landing is located next to Teterboro Airport, approximately three miles away from the Hackensack location. Many customers were wondering what will be gained from the move. One of the gains will be the ability to buy gas at 30 to 40 cents less per gallon than at most gas stations, because Costco will now be selling Kirkland gas, a higher quality fuel ranked by automakers as a Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. According to Costco, Kirkland Gasoline contains five times the recommended detergent for both regular and unleaded gas, and reduces emissions while improving automobile performance. And for those times when a driver forgets what side the gas tank is on, Costco gas stations have extra-long hoses that allow for fueling from either side.
Birthday parties rely on Costco for deliciously decadent, yet extremely affordable, birthday cakes. Under OK kosher supervision, this provides an economical solution for many. What would Eev Shavuos be without Teaneck Shuls’ requests to pick up an extra cheesecake from Costco? Costco’s kosher bakery in the Hackensack warehouse left many guests drooling for their local Costco bakeries to follow suit. “When my grandparents visited from out of state, they bought whatever they could at Costco’s kosher bakery, just because it was kosher,” said one Costco shopper. “When they returned home, they put in multiple requests with their local warehouse, but it never became kosher.”
A employee from the Costco Hackensack location said that as of now she cannot imagine why they would not keep the bakery under kosher supervision, but this is not a decision that will be made until closer to the move that is expected to take place late next summer or early next fall. Representatives at the Northeast Regional Office of Costco said that at this point nothing is decided either way.
If the concerns expressed on Facebook and throughout the community are accurate, many dedicated Costco shoppers may find themselves rethinking the value of their Costco membership this time next year. If Costco cannot show shoppers the benefit to what for many is a longer drive, customers may continue enjoying the Costco experience, or, as some have threatened, move to BJs in Paramus. Only time will tell.
By Jenny Gans
