LOWER MANHATTAN (PIX11) – Hundreds of people lined up Tuesday in anticipation of the reopening of Century 21 in Lower Manhattan.
The discount department store reopened at 22 Cortlandt St., returning nearly three years after the company declared bankruptcy. PIX11 News reporter James Ford shared a video that showed the line waiting to get in wrapped completely around the block.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at noon at the remodeled Lower Manhattan location. The excitement over the reopening drew such a large crowd that the retailer needed to restrict admission into the building, causing another long line to form midday.
Century 21 declared bankruptcy in late 2020 amid pandemic hardships and closed all 13 of its East Coast locations. The company announced its revival last year.
The new flagship store is smaller than in the past. It’s now four floors and 100,000 square feet. However, the company aims to bring back what shoppers loved about Century 21.
“We’re going to bring back the Century that everyone is expecting and more. We’ve probably went more fashionable, maybe a little younger. We have a lot of new and emerging brands,” said Judy Duzich, the vice president and general merchandise manager.
PIX11’s Eileen Lehpamer and James Ford contributed to this report.
