WOODCLIFF LAKE—The borough, in competition with White Plains, N.Y. is in talks with Party City USA to establish its national headquarters here.
According to Mayor Carlos Rendo at the Aug. 16 meeting of the governing body, and the next day on Facebook, “This is an opportunity to create approximately 300 to 400 jobs with an average salary in the mid-$90,000 range” at the empty ESAI building, 100 Tice Boulevard.
Rendo said the company’s planned capital investment is approximately $25 million to $30 million and that the total job count here “will be upwards of 700.”
The Borough Council passed a resolution in support.
Party City Holdco Inc. is a publicly traded retail chain of party stores founded in 1986 by Steve Mandell in East Hanover. Based in Elmsford, N.Y., the company is the largest retailer of party goods in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, operating more than 900 company-owned and franchise outlets under the Party City, Halloween City, Toy City, and Factory Card & Party Outlet brands.
Rendo said that of the anticipated jobs approximately 150 will be new, created over a three-year period. The others would be consolidated from from New York City and the Garden State.
According to Rendo, Party City has applied with the State Department of Economic Development under the Emerge New Jersey tax incentive program. “Under this program, the company will receive significant state tax benefits.
The positive for Woodcliff Lake is that the company must make capital contributions to the borough over time.”
He said that as required by Emerge New Jersey he named a committee to coordinate and manage the capital investment.
“Keep in mind that New Jersey is competing with White Plains, N.Y. for the relocation of the company. The location decision will come down to which state provides the best incentives package to the company,” he said.
Rendo said of the council’s resolution of support, “This will be a home run for the borough.”
The Emerge Program, created under the Economic Recovery Act (ERA) of 2020, “encourages economic development in Governor Murphy’s priority sectors and in targeted communities across the New Jersey. The program provides per-job tax credits to projects that invest private capital into the state and create new good-paying jobs (or retain a large number of good-paying jobs).”
Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali, who has been working to attract international businesses to his borough, posted, “Mayor, this will be a win-win for the region and for jobs creation. It’s also good for Montvale because it will stimulate our small businesses. We will also pass a resolution in support of their move to WCL.”
Other comments on Rendo’s post:
- Reuben Twersky: “Awesome news and great job. Let’s bring this home for WCL!”
- Jo Anne Harris: “This would be great for WCL!”
- Jerry Quinn: “Excellent, hope it works out. We can use some good news after the BMW fiasco as well as the Galaxy Garden debacle.
- Melanie Presha-Little: “Great news!”
- Dianna Cereijo: “Wonderful work! Let’s bring them home to WCL.”
There are two Party City outlets in Paramus and one in Nanuet, N.Y. On its corporate website, it says, “With hundreds of stores filled with thousands of products across the United States, you’re sure to find the perfect costume, party theme, or inspiration for your next party.”