Rego Center
| Company type | Retail complex |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Queens, New York City , United States |
Area served | Queens, New York City |
| Products | Retail stores, shopping mall |
| Owner | Vornado Realty Trust |
Rego Center is a retail complex situated within the boundaries of the Long Island Expressway, Junction Boulevard, Queens Boulevard, 63rd Road, and 97th Street in the Rego Park area of Queens, New York City.
History
Initially, this site housed the sole Queens outlet of the department store Alexander's. Later, Caldor acquired the location and planned to open a store there in autumn 1995; however, these plans were halted when the company declared bankruptcy that same year. Subsequently, Sears launched a store at the location in 1996.[1]
The mall’s Phase II expansion, an addition to the already operational Phase I, officially opened on March 3, 2010[2], offering approximately 950,000 square feet (88,000 m2) of retail space.[3] Major tenants include Costco with 145,000 square feet (13,500 m2), At Home featuring 135,000 square feet (12,500 m2), and T.J. Maxx.[4] The original Phase I includes stores such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshalls, Old Navy, and Burlington Coat Factory.[3] Additionally, an Aldi supermarket commenced operations on the first level in February 2011.[5][6] Nearby competing shopping centers include Queens Center and Queens Place Mall.
As of February 2015, Vornado Realty Trust, which holds ownership of the mall, began constructing The Alexander, a residential tower rising 24 stories with 314 units atop Phase II. This development responds to an influx of young professionals in the neighborhood. Approximately one-fifth of these residences are studios; the remainder consists of one- and two-bedroom apartments.[7]
On January 4, 2017, it was publicized that Sears would be shutting its doors as part of a nationwide closure affecting 150 locations. This store ceased operations in April of that year.[8] Subsequently in March 2018, Toys "R" Us declared it would terminate all its U.S. outlets including its Rego Center location.[9] The space was later occupied by a toy retailer named Toy City, operated by Party City.
On January 13, 2019, Kohl's announced plans to close its Rego Center branch along with three other stores nationwide; this location shuttered on April 13 that year.[10]
In September of the same year, IKEA revealed intentions to transform the former Sears site into its third store within New York City.[11] This IKEA location officially opened on January 11, 2021.[12][13] However, this IKEA outlet sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ida in September 2021.[14] On October 26, 2022 it was made public that IKEA would cease operations at this site on December 3.[14][15] In February of 2024 IKEA negotiated a lease buyout for this location.[16][17]
On April 24, 2020 it was announced that At Home planned to occupy the former Kohl's space during the following year.[18] The At Home store commenced business in April of 2021.[19]
On September 10, 2020 it was declared that Century 21 would shutter all its outlets nationwide as part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. This included closing its Rego Center branch.[20]<ref>Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
One month later Century 21 permanently ceased operations at this location.
On April 23," "2023," Bed Bath & Beyond announced filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and planned to shut all remaining U.S. stores including its Rego Center branch. This store closed in July of that year.
After several years within the mall complex," Old Navy terminated operations in January 2024.
Most recently," as of April 27," "2025," Best Buy relocated into the former Toys "R" Us space which had been vacant since "2018." Best Buy moved from nearby Queens Place Mall.
Withdrawals
In late 2008, The Home Depot exited the rental agreement with Vornado due to declining profitability. The area formerly occupied by Home Depot was subsequently taken over by Costco, marking Costco's fifth store in New York City and its second within Queens.
Back in 2005, Walmart was removed from consideration as a prospective tenant during its initial attempt to establish a store in New York City. The plan was ultimately abandoned following opposition from various community groups.
Layout
The retail space configuration below is sourced from Vornado's property website.
- Level 3: T.J. Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory
- Level 2: At Home, Best Buy
- Street Level: Marshalls, Dallas BBQ, T-Mobile, Mandee, The Vitamin Shoppe, Aldi, Petco, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Teriyaki One, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Five Below, Red Mango
- Lower Level: Costco
References
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