BJ’s Wholesale Club to open third Tennessee location in Goodlettsville

BJ’s Wholesale Club will open a new location in Goodlettsville near the RiverGate Mall, marking it's third warehouse in Tennessee and 244th nationwide, according to a Wednesday press release.

The business is similar to that of other warehouse club giants, Costco and Sam's Club.

BJ’s plans call for a 103,004-square-foot club to be built between Vietnam Veterans Boulevard and the former Sears building at RiverGate Mall. Part of the club will be built on current mall property and part will be built on undeveloped property, Goodlettsville City Manager Tim Ellis said in an interview with The Tennessean late last year.

Goodlettsville's site plans also include a gas station, the company's release said.

More: RiverGate Mall redevelopment: BJ's Wholesale seeks to join; multifamily plan revamped

The Goodlettsville location is expected to employ about 150 people and is currently hiring online.

Excitement over the club's fall opening has spread throughout the community, Goodlettsville city officials said.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” Goodlettsville Mayor Rusty Tinnin said. “It’s the best thing we’ve had in a long time. Hopefully, it’s a booster for good things to come.”

Madison-Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce President Laura Knotts agreed. She noted that people were thrilled to see more local shopping options.

“Being able to have something that close is a lot more convenient," she said. "Their only options for buying in bulk like that is to go out of county and to have something closer by… it’s just a lot more convenient for our residents in multiple ways."

This is also a good thing for RiverGate Mall, Knotts said. Anchored by Dillard's and JCPenny, the mall has seen several store closures in recent years.

“A lot of people have been talking about how that may be revitalizing the mall area as well and bringing more traffic that direction,” she said.

A BJ’s Wholesale Club opened in La Vergne earlier this year. Another is expected to open in Mt. Juliet this fall.

More: BJ's Wholesale Club approved in Mt. Juliet as commercial building continues in the city

“We’ve seen tremendous demand in Tennessee for the unbeatable value and member benefits our BJ’s model delivers and are thrilled to continue to bring BJ’s incredible savings to more families within the state,” said Bill Werner, executive vice president of strategy and development, in the company's release.

“We’re excited to open our club doors and welcome the Goodlettsville community in early 2024.”

BJ's offers fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, household essentials, pet supplies and several location exclusives. Clubs also carry seasonal items, home décor, family fashions, toys, tech and local products.

Katie Nixon can be reached at [email protected].