BJ’s Wholesale Club Brings Excitement, Concern

In 2024, BJ’s Wholesale Club announced they would be expanding their footprint in Hernando County. With the revelation that construction would take place in the Coastal Way Plaza plot formerly occupied by Sears, there has been excitement and concern over the incoming bulk retailer.

A new membership-only warehouse club in a long-unoccupied storefront could do wonders for revitalizing business in the strip mall, and it is just over the horizon. As noted by a representative from Bath and Body Works, the grand opening of the wholesale club is slated to take place on February 26.

Yet, there is concern about traffic as the area is already congestion-prone. Mariner Blvd (north of Cortez) often becomes backed up past Frontage Rd, making it very difficult for drivers leaving Coastal Way to make a left-hand turn onto Mariner. Often Mariner is backed up from the light to Frontage Road and BJs Wholesale Club has not even opened yet.

The adjoining stores in the plaza are curious about what the effects will be on business, traffic, and parking. On one hand, owners such as Jennie Denby of the nearby Print Shack feel BJ’s presence “could be good for growth. We need some growth.”

On the other hand, Claire’s manager, Kathy, wondered whether it would help or hurt their business. A customer even noted she was at Claire’s on Monday because she may not be shopping there for some time in anticipation of the increased traffic. It is unlikely she is the only one feeling this way.

Worries persist among the local stores surrounding congestion on the feeder road intersection at Mariner Boulevard. Denby and company added that there is roughly an accident per day near the crossing.

Other owners like HernandoLoser Nutrition’s Lenny Iacopelli were also wary. He was surprised that the store was approved to take over the spot and noted that if it is anything like Sam’s or Costco (similar-style membership clubs), it could heavily affect parking. “It is going to be a nightmare,” said Iacopelli.

Parking was universally mentioned as an issue for the representatives of these businesses. In prior months, stores saw a dip in foot traffic due to the building complicating entry to the rest of the strip. On Friday evening, with completion imminent, these construction guards were finally lifted.

Moving forward, Iacopelli hopes BJ’s presence does not affect his regulars. Managers from Bath and Body Works are hopeful that it will influence their numbers positively, especially after the aforementioned decrease in customers. Membership clubs generally utilize larger parking lots to accommodate the extra bustle and accompanying gas station.

According to the Sun’s estimates, the inclusion of BJ’s Gas removed at least 100 parking spaces. Combined with 11 spots also being used for grocery cart bays, it will be interesting to see how the wholesale club plans to address the potentially high volume of customers.

With the county allowing the business to move in and start construction without the need to change the zoning (PDP General Highway Commercial), there may have been some other agreement or understanding that allowed the parties to feel comfortable with the decision.

The Sun contacted both BJ’s and Hernando County government for clarification on concerns surrounding congestion, but neither has provided information on the matter. Hernando Sun initially contacted Hernando County about the potential congestion issues on Dec. 26 with subsequent follow-ups.

Permit details from the county building division are listed below:
Location: 13085 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34613
Permit Issued: 07/02/2024
Impact Fee: $288,568.55
Total Payments: $323,563. 22
Latest Inspection: Final DPW – 02/03/2025 – Status: Active