Major Retailer Leaving NJ After 50 Years For New Headquarters

BURLINGTON, NJ — "Burlington," formerly known as "Burlington Coat Factory," is leaving its corporate headquarters along Route 130 after 50 years in the Garden State.

The home goods and clothing retailer will make a $370 million move to Philadelphia in what the business said was motivated by the need for more space.

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The city is also contributing $30 million to Burlington's shift to the new West Philadelphia Schuylkill Yards development center that the business will call home at 3151 Market St.

According to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, 2,000 jobs will also come to the city over the next five years as a result of Burlington's relocation.

"Pennsylvania is competing to win," said Shapiro "...and were going to keep showing the world that Pennsylvania is open for business."

According to Burlington, their move across the Delaware River does not signify an abandonment of their roots or future endeavors in the Garden State.

"We continue to open stores in the state," Burlington said in a statement to NBC. "This is in no way a reflection of the current business climate in New Jersey and Burlington looks forward to continued warm relations with New Jersey State Government."

A spokesperson added that of the 8,000 current associates in the Garden State, a portion will move to the new headquarters, but did not specify on how many.

The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) took a critical spin on the move being a result of the unfavorable corporate tax landscape that, they said, continues to push businesses out or away from setting up shop in the state.

"Obviously, New Jersey maintains the highest corporate tax rate in the nation at 11.5%, while Pennsylvania is on a course to lower its top rate down to 4.9%. We have often said that many businesses do have the opportunity to move just across the river for a more competitive business environment, and we can certainly assume that figured into the decision here," said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

Burlington will begin to move their teams to the new space no earlier than the end of 2028 through a phased-in approach.

The popular chain first opened in 1972 and operates more than 1,300 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico, including 57 throughout New Jersey.

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