NYSERDA, BJ’s Wholesale Club Partnership ‘Efficient’

April 3, 2009

Albany, NY – April 3, 2009: Saving money on the purchase of energy-efficient products that help New Yorkers reduce energy use and costs at home just got easier thanks to a new partnership between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and BJ’s Wholesale Club, the warehouse buying club that stocks brand-name merchandise at discount prices.

BJ’s Wholesale Club is the newest retail partner in the New York Energy $mart Products Program, which is designed to increase the supply of and demand for energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified consumer products in New York State through partnerships between NYSERDA, retailers and manufacturers. With the addition of BJ’s Wholesale Club’s 23 New York retail locations, the program’s retail partners number more than 950.

“Budget-friendly, energy-efficient products that help New Yorkers save money beyond the initial purchase are valuable commodities in today’s economy,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr. “Partnering with a large company that has a great reputation, such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, makes it easier for New Yorkers to find the types of products that will help them save energy and money at home.”

As a partner in the program, BJ’s Wholesale Club is eligible to receive co-operative advertising incentives, free point-of-purchase (POP) materials and sales staff training from NYSERDA to assist with the sales and promotion of the energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified products such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), room air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

“BJ’s Wholesale Club understands that our Members are looking to stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality with the products they buy, said Chris Neppl, BJ’s Executive Vice President of Merchandising. “The partnership with NYSERDA further extends BJ’s ability to provide value to Members by offering and sharing knowledge of energy-efficient products, which can translate to savings at the cash register and in the home.”

About NYSERDA

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. For more information about the New York Energy $mart Products Program or for more ways to save energy at home, visit NYSERDA Get Energy Smart or call toll-free 1-877-NY-SMART.

About BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club is dedicated to providing its members with high-quality, brand name food and merchandise at prices that are significantly lower than the prices found at supermarkets, supercenters, department stores, drug stores and specialty retail stores. BJ’s offers low BJ’s Member Pricing on a huge selection of top-brand apparel and accessories, small appliances, consumer electronics, fine jewelry, groceries and other quality merchandise.

Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. is a leading operator of warehouse clubs in the eastern United States. The Company currently operates 180 clubs and 102 gas stations in 15 eastern states. Shop online or learn more about BJ’s Wholesale Club at www.bjs.com.

CONTACT:

Nancy Norman, NYSERDA
866-NYSERDA, ext 3414
njn@nyserda.ny.gov

Gayle Nowak
978-525-3742
gayle@haggman.com

Mary Ingram-Schatz
212-600-4469
mary@haggman.com