Century 21 Coming Back To NYC After Bankruptcy

NEW YORK CITY — Century 21 is coming back to New York City — a big deal announcement befitting the iconic department much-beloved by bargain hunters.

"This isn't your average comeback story in retail," Marc Benitez, the company's new president, said Wednesday. "Century 21 is not your average retailer."

Benitez, during Mayor Bill de Blasio's daily briefing, outlined broad but still-in-the-works plans to reopen in New York City.

The discount store declared bankruptcy in September and shuttered its locations across the city and elsewhere.

Shoppers mourned the loss of a store that first opened 60 years ago in the city and has been a favorite for those in need of not-so-pricey retail therapy.

The outpouring prompted the Gindis — the family behind the store — to purchase the brand name following the bankruptcy and plot a comeback, according to the store's website.

"Never count out a New Yorker," the comeback announcement stated.

Benitez said the store is hunting for locations to open internationally and within the city.

"The only catch: those very details are currently being outlined and as soon as we can share more will certainly will," he said.

De Blasio praised the announcement as a sign the city is recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. He said if the city reaches its goal to vaccinate 5 million New Yorkers by June that business will boom.

"You're going to see an explosion of pent-up demand, New Yorkers going out all over the city, spending their money to help New York City come back," he said.