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Oct 18, 2023

Burlington Stores opens new, 40,000

The newly opened Burlington store opened Nov. 19 at 45 Shunpike Road in

The newly opened Burlington store opened Nov. 19 at 45 Shunpike Road in Cromwell.

CROMWELL — After much anticipation, Burlington Stores opened its newest location in Cromwell Nov. 18 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and $5,000 donation to a Middletown school.

The 40,000-square-foot department store is located in The Shops at Cromwell Square at 45 Shunpike Road, next to Marshalls in part of the former Kmart building. Burlington joins ShopRite, Five Below and other shops in the shopping center.

Macdonough Elementary School students and Lauren Mikulak, the school's STEM coach, were presented with a large mock check for school supplies.

Burlington, known for its deals on items for the entire family and home, partners with the national nonprofit organization, AdoptAClassroom.org to adopt and fund a local school each time they open a new location.

Between 2014 and 2016, the company rebranded the chain from Burlington Coat Factory to Burlington Stores, in order to communicate that Burlington is "more than just coats," according to the website.

"Our goal is to continue to offer communities great values on brand name merchandise for the entire family and home," CEO Michael O’Sullivan said in the statement. "We’re continuing to expand our footprint across the country, and are excited to be opening a store in Cromwell.

"We look forward to giving local customers the chance to discover fantastic prices on a wide range of products," O’Sullivan added.

Macdonough Principal Damian Reardon said in a statement that teachers will use the money on new classroom supplies to enhance the STEM- and project-based learning there.

"On behalf of the Middletown Public Schools, I would like to welcome our new local Burlingtonstore and thank them and AdoptAClassroom.org for their generous donation," Reardon said. "Our teachers are so excited to purchase the additional tools to support our programming."

Following the ribbon-cutting, the first 200 customers received a $5 bonus card to be used toward their purchase.

Last Saturday, the parking lot was packed with cars. The shop itself was busy with people checking out clothes, handbags and Christmas home decor.

The opening celebration continued Saturday, with the first 200 customers receiving a Burlington WOW! Buck to scratch off. It revealed a prize up to $250 to be used toward their purchase.

The store itself is quite large. When shoppers first walk in, they are met with racks of women's clothing. Items on display on Saturday included Tommy Hilfiger sweaters and women's Calvin Klein sweatpants.

To the right of the entrance and exit are women's handbags and accessories, such as Steve Madden, Guess purses and more, organized by color.

Nearby were makeup and other beauty items. The outer edge of the store has shoes and leads into housewares, such as pots, pans and more decor, including wall art and throw pillows.

The holiday theme continued in the pet section with dogs toys such as gingerbread men filled with squeakers.

The left side of the shop focuses on men's items. Children's toys and clothes are also sold.

Most of the clothing in Burlington is focused in the center of the store. Large racks are marked in both English and Spanish with the types of clothes and size range.

The store also has plus sizes and a juniors range, as well a section with workout clothing.

The celebrations came to an end on Sunday with every customer receiving a free Burlington tote.

The company was founded in 1924 as a wholesaler of ladies coats and junior suits. In 1972, Burlington started its retail business, opening its first Burlington Coat Factory store in Burlington, N.J., offering a broad range of branded outerwear for the family priced below that of similar large retailers, it said.

There are Burlington stores located throughout Connecticut, including Newington, East Hartford, Bloomfield, Meriden, Bristol and Waterbury.