Another grocery store coming ( old a&p)
https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/morris/business/shopwell-grocery-store-replacing-shuttered-ap-supermarket-in-morris-county/829695/
Top of the hill
Bug3Never heard of Shopwell, so I googled and found this:
https://www.newjerseyhills.com/mt_olive_chronicle/news/update-shopwell-in-budd-lake-better-hold-that-thought/article_bf12a658-722d-5155-b34a-4858ba313498.html
Courtney1 Apparently there is one of these highland markets by shopwell in west milford where their old a&p was and is open if anyone wants to check it out.
Scott I found this tweet, The owner had another store and is closing it and opening one in the old A&P:
https://twitter.com/marketreport_nj/status/1514954963440525312?s=20&t=BkzVJwOnwl33jNLm6PAumQ
Whip Oh Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It's not a Trader Joes.
Oh the horror.
dodgebaal That accompanying article, https://independent.marketreportblog.com/2022/01/update-highlands-market-by-shopwell.html would seem that in the best of times it wouldn't be competition for Shoprite or Weiss.
OnTheEdge Project is moving full speed ahead. Village Bar & Liquors is closing 10/2022. The mall owner doesn't want a bar operating on the property and the Village Liquor license is being purchased by Shopwell.
John 
Elisa Rumor is that it won't be "Shop Well", it will be "Super Fresh" which was a brand that the old A&P used to operate under. Are the two related? Beats me. Who and whatever they are, that strip mall needs an anchor store or it's going down. Anyone remember the Potbelly Pancake House,The International Buffet, the ice cream place or the bagel shop? All gone.
John John - I remember The International Buffet ---- had many lunches there. It was awesome how included in the buffet was the made to order sushi station in the back.
I noticed a new sign above the old A&P...."ShopFresh". It's not open yet and Village Bar & Liquors is closed. There's very little info about ShopFresh on the internet. It could be an upscale supermarket or a bargain-basement outfit. Anyone remember when there was the "Shop-n-Bag" in the shopping center at the bottom of the hill, where the big medical facility is now? There was Holy Wong, C'Mere Cupcake, Pietro's, Blockbuster, a liquor store, a dry cleaner........All gone.
Billy2 There was never a “shop-n-bag” in that location. There was a A&P and later a FoodBasics .
FaQ 
kacey Odd. On the realtor site for this property, it states the new ShopFresh Market will have a hardware store inside. I can't say I have ever seen that before. Could be a typo though.
"ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Anchored by Brand New ShopFresh Market with new Do It Best Hardware store inside".
https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/7-Naughright-Rd-Mount-Olive-NJ/26815851/
Greg Greg
Apparently that's a Co-op hardware business. There's one in Califon and Denville. Here's a link to their company:
https://www.doitbestonline.com/
Phil D. Very strange. ShopFresh has no internet presence at all. No web site, no Facebook or any ads. I can only assume this is a stand alone store
Local Gal Phil- I had looked at their website earlier too. I was intrigued to see it was a Co-op. Interesting approach to join in with the supermarket. Combing certain brick and mortar stores may be a good way for them to increase their success.
Greg
My thoughts too. When I was a manager for R&S Strauss, we had two stores that operated within the Valley Fair Shopping Centers in Livingston and in Little Ferry. They were essentially a bunch of smaller businesses that leased space from the main store and we all provided different sections of products.
There was one company that had a hardware dept. in there and another with toys, etc. It seemed to be a decent business model which worked for all involved. The only odd thing was that the clothing dept. was closed on Sundays in the Little Ferry store due to Bergen County's anachronistic "Blue Laws", which always caused a lot of confusion to customers.
Any updates on when this store is opening? Pretty disgusted with the poor quality vegetables at Shoprite.
On Feb 8th they posted they'd be opening in about 2 weeks on their FB page. So hopefully only another week if they're still on target. They just posted yesterday that they're doing on the spot interviews this Saturday so it appears they're close to opening.
Jrsemom Scheduled to open tomorrow (March 3rd), according to the sign on the highway (46W). Nearly a year since it was first announced. Hope it's decent.
MT My boyfriend just got a job there. He was there helping to stock shelves and organize. They have an amazing halal Chinese buffet and seafood. it’s not going to be a perfect grand opening but it should be a decent store once the kinks are ironed out
H-town Mama Opening today at noon as per their FB page. They have a sales circular posted on their page as well.
https://www.facebook.com/ShopFreshMarketplace
Calico696 Things don't look to be going so well for ShopFresh. I've been in there a bunch of times and there are never any other customers. The seafood section never opened. They have 3+ aisles devoted to hardware under a "Do It Best" moniker. Strange as Lowes and Home Depot are 8 minutes away. This location needed a focused supermarket and so far it is an unfocused, under-stocked empty store. They are connected to a liquor store that has more traffic than the supermarket itself. It's really odd as ShopRite Netcong is no prize but they have a lot of customers. That parking lot is a disaster and pulling out onto Route 46 is a mess. ShopFresh has a better location but they seem to have tried to be all things to all people and it's not working.
John I've seen the prices on their facebook page and that's probably why they can't compete with ShopRite especially these days with inflation . I like the Netcong ShopRite even though they don't have some items their bigger stores carry there is a surprising amount in that small store and it's never so crowded that you can't get through it quickly .
97XBAM Problem is they should not have taken out part of the old A&P to put the gym in as that should have stood part of the current Shop Fresh. Was a stupid move to subdivide that building. If a known quantity like a Stop and Shop or Acme, not currently in the area, came in, it would have been a better fit. This store will not last long and hopefully will be replaced by a known supermarket that can compete with the other food stores in the area.
I was waiting for someone to bring this up. Yeah the clock is ticking for them. The seafood section smelled foul on opening weekend, the produce is always wilted, the milk is a few days from expiration, etc. We were there day 1 and several times since...for a few things only. Only getting worse.
Honestly when it was announced that that particular grocer was coming in, after a quick google search and some reading, I knew before they even started the renovations it would not hit the mark by far. A friend lives close to it and gave it 2-3 chances. A big thumbs down all the way from him.
Nothing to do with the topic , but from being lactose intolerant I started buying lactose free 2% milk that is good for like two months before it's expiration date .Tastes like milk to me for cereal and french toast and you don't have to worry about it turning sour soon after buying . The lactose free skim milk tasted weird and switching to 2% cured that .
I was looking forward to having this store as a third option to Shoprite and Weis.
There are several things about this store I do not like, and in my opinion one of their downfalls is not mailing their weekly flyers. When in the store, I asked at the courtesy desk about this, and was told I can pick up a flyer once inside the store.
Really?
People want to know in advance what the weekly prices are and what’s on sale. I for one don’t want to waste time searching for the flyer online - not to mention the inconvenience of reading it in that format.
I've given it three tries, the last one was 2 days ago. There is a funky sour milk smell that pervades the lobby/cart area when you enter.
Very poorly stocked food shelves this last time but lots of hardware items.
What really struck me was the meat; it was old, the beef had turned from red to brown and the chicken had a sheen to it. Milk was dated 2 days from then. I seemed to be the only customer in the store at the time and I left without making a purchase.
I'm very disappointed as I was also looking for an alternative to the usual food stores. I'm so sorry to say that I don't think they will be in business for long.
Pamela I very much want this supermarket to succeed but the items I stop in for are either out of stock or look inedible. At some point I will learn to give up hope completely.
As was intimated in an earlier post the track record is not stellar, unfortunately.
I’d settle for an Aldi or Lidl.
Joe1982b3 
Luca2 
kelleo22 
Nature's Food Markets opening this Friday, May 3rd. Old A&P location on Naughright/46:location. Photo attached of flyer.
Just put a regular supermarket there (Stew Leonard's, Acme, Stop & Shop). Doubt this store lasts a year there.
Went yesterday, this store has a real chance at sticking around imo.
The contrast between it, and the store that preceded it, should be obvious. NFM is well lit, well stocked, and has a healthier and more diverse product line. The previous store was dark and dungeon like, it was nondescript and unappealing overall.
This is the NJ version of the 'A Matter of Health" stores located in NY, so they have been around for a bit. To me, this store is a cross between Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Wegmans. The prices are reasonable, and they are closest to us, as compared to the three stores I just mentioned.
I'm still a Shop Rite first shopper, but for the exclusive items that you can only find at those other stores, I'll be taking a short ride up the hill to NFM. I wish them the best and hope they stick around, this is a good store.
only one truth Thanks for the review, only one truth, sounds good will definitely check it out. If the other 3 stores you mentioned were closer, I'd go to them quite often.
I'll also put a vote in for Fresh Market in Bedminster. It's not large, but has alot of really unique stuff. Not cheap either, so I know everyone on HL will complain about it LOL
JeffersonRepub Just got back for the store. They have lots of organic foods and a things you can’t get at ShopRite or Wise. The store is very nice.
Just got back from this store. I liked it! Produce looked great & I love having more organic options than Shop Rite!
I’ll let the wife know (she does all the shopping) but she is quite frugal so I’ll report back on pricing vs our regular options
If you are looking at strictly cost, stay at Shop Rite. If you are looking for organic options & a different variety of items & don't mind if the items cost a little more than Shop Rite, then don't bother going here.
As far as price, it depends on the item. NFM had many things on sale. I got several grocery items that were lower priced than Shoprite or Walmart. And some things in the produce dept. were the same, or lower priced than shoprite - and they are organic!
Lastly, I dislike the gimmick that Shoprite has when they say you must buy 2 or 3 of something to get a sale price. Believe it or not, the Gimme roasted seaweed snacks that Shoprite is making us buy 3 of, costs LESS at NFM — and you don’t have to buy 3.
Not to mention all the wonderful products this store has, just really unbelievable.
Looks like no one here has heard of introductory pricing. That is what you get at a newly opened grocery store. Wait a few weeks until the store has been open and the real prices show up that are necessary to keep the doors open and pay expenses.
You can sure tell who the shoprite employees are.
Be sure to sign up for the Loyalty Program which gives you $10 off rewards!
You can see the sale flyer on their Facebook page.
"You can sure tell who the shoprite employees are".
Huh? I'm not a Shop Rite employee, I merely alluded that for common weekly items I still prefer SR, but I also added that NFM was the place to go for the items you won't find at SR, in addition to giving them a very positive review.
I also disagree with Luke regarding "introductory pricing". Yes, that is a common practice for new establishments, but it's also become a standard practice to 'always' have weekly sale items on a rotational basis. What was on sale last week might be regular price this week, but there will be another item that will be on sale this week to supplant it.
Bottom line for me is that this is a store that merits a visit at least a couple of times a month.
I am so happy! I absolutely love this store! It’s welcoming and nicely laid out. Staff was very friendly and helpful. It’s nice to finally have the variety of food that you can’t find in other stores around here. I’ve always hoped we could get a Whole Foods, but I think this is nicer actually.
I can see that I would still need Target for basics and family sized items, but I could definitely switch to Nature’s Food Markets for everything else. I especially like the wide variety of gourmet, organic, ultra-healthy and ethnic foods.
I enjoyed shopping yesterday when it was quiet but I am sure that will soon change. I am so tired of trying to get through Shoprite which is incredibly busy even on off hours and I am always irritated by ShopRite’s traffic flow, which has never made sense to me.
I’m thrilled and wish NFM the best of luck!
By the way, I am not an employee of NFM, nor do I have a vested interest in the business. I am just a local resident who likes to see a business like this to succeed in our community.
Res2 only one truth - I was not referring to you!
Meanwhile, I have discovered that Nature’s Food Market is a member of INFRA - Independent Natural Food Retailers Association - a co-op that has over 600 food stores throughout the United States!
https://www.naturalfoodretailers.com/infra-retailer-directory
Their statement on Facebook:
“As part of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association, we’re able to provide you with savings on the food you love as well as collaborate to achieve important goals of increasing sustainability and addressing climate change.”
https://www.naturalfoodretailers.com
@happiest girl
OK, I'm sure you can understand why I might have thought that you were referring to me.
Regardless, the info you provided should assure the community that their pricing, current and future, will remain reasonable, which is great news. I think we finally have a keeper here; I really hope they get the support that will ensure their success.
Informative article.
https://www.marketreportblog.com/2024/05/special-report-natures-food-markets.html
We went this weekend. I really hope the area "takes" to this store, because it is a very nice alternative to Shoprite/Weis, with many different brands and options... especially organic as mentioned in the reviews HG just posted. I hesitate to give a review because while we were there the power went out, so we had to cut our trip short. But we WILL be going back, and I may even make it one of my regular weekly stops on food shopping day.
Was able to finally go this week and I LOVE THIS STORE!!! SO many products that I drive to Whole Foods for so now instead I will go here - prices are good and the selection is wonderful. Great organic products and a few specialty items that I had been buying online because even Whole Foods did not carry them.
I was so impressed by how nicely organized the aisles are and the employees were pleasant and helpful. I hope they do well and stay for many years. I will be going back every week.
Jules Yes! What’s not to LOVE about this store. Such a huge variety of items throughout the store that you won’t see in conventional supermarkets. More variety and selections from brands that are already in a conventional supermarket ….. ie for example, who knew the chocolate company Ritter Sport had a vegan line? It’s right there on the shelf along with the dairy versions.
Amazing things in the deli department and buffet bar as well. Those samosas - yum! …and those tangerine chili olives …..
Don’t forget to get those Pennsylvania fresh eggs - large or extra large for $1.99 ….. or jumbo for $2.99.
And according to the owner, they will be getting even more varieties of the Sunneen sandwiches if you are a fan of those.
This new store carries many different products. Lots of organic items. Many various vitamins.
Some prices are better that anywhere else. Some are way to high.
Store was almost empty. Seafood dept. was closed.
This store is similar to Wegman's.
Pyc Any updates on this store? My wife does the shopping but is not the most frugal shopper and doesn’t look at/compare prices much. Will she get robbed and not know it? Or are prices just 5-10% higher? I don’t mind paying a bit more for quality but don’t really want a $400 receipt instead of the typical $300 ShopRite trip.
The store is organic-based; if you like that kind of products, definitely
go there -they have a fabulous selection. It's not a store that you shop at when concerned about price. I would not buy basic things like trash bags, case of water or things like that. I find a lot of great salad dressings & unique organic items not found in a Shop Rite
Consigliere - no she will not get robbed. In fact, if you price compare some items with Shoprite, Natures Food Market is often cheaper! You can check prices on their website.
But this store also has thousands of items that Shoprite or Weis do not have, and every time I go I am amazed at the selection. Even the hot food bar has a wonderful selection, the cost is $9.99 lb.
If you go organic v organic; it’s up n down which is good. Nm was ;
Fuji apples 10% more
Granny smith 20 % more
Banana equal
Grapes 50% less.
We eat a lot of grapes but not organic. Still, given quality, sounds like worth the trip before SR to cherry pick, pun intended
Babbit Babbit - interesting! You inspired me to do a little price hunting. Here are the results:
Bob’s Red Mill organic oat bran - SR - $6.29. NF - $5.69
Kashi cinnamon walnut - SR - $6.99. NF - $5.99
Ezekiel 4:9 original - SR - $7.49. NF - $7.49
Barbara’s Puffins Original - SR - $4.69. NF - $4.29
Endangered Species Chocolate Caramel Bar - SR - $3.79. NF - $2.50
Brenton Crackers Original - SR - $3.49. NF - $3.49
Back to Nature classic round cracker - SR - $3.29. NF - $3.99
Kerry gold Aged Cheddar - SR - $5.49 sale price (reg. $5.99). NF - $4.99
Organic Valley mozzarella - SR - $7.49. NF - $4.99
Organic Valley low-fat milk 1/2 gallon - SR - $6.29. NF - $5.99
What’s everyone waiting for? GO to this store!
Interesting... so what i found in fruits and veges, HG finds amplified to the benefit of customers, on the grocery side.
How you can beat SR prices is beyond me, look at how many have tried, but failed or went out of business.
Do they have curbside? I think they do, as well as delivery, but I can't get the webstie to work......
frankstetson@yahoo.c frankstetson - they can beat shoprite prices because they belong to a co-op with over 600 stores - double the number of shoprite stores.
EVV Exactly, EVV. While some specific items may be a few pennies less most of the "ordinary" items are equal or higher than ShopRite and other larger grocers. They are a specialty store of sorts so they are limited in broad ranges of brands and choices. Clearly some folks enjoy that shopping experience and selection. However most families won't realize any large scale savings there. In this dreadful economy and ever increasing cost of living, every nickel counts for most. I bet that particular store lasts a little while unlike the disaster that was there prior.
EVV - I suggest you visit the store for yourself to see what they offer. There are sale signs on a huge number of items throughout the store. I personally would not call $1.00 or more savings on an item “a few pennies less”.
The freshly prepared food in the deli section alone is worth a visit — a huge selection, nothing compares to it, not to mention the hot food buffet bar.
Heck, I would go just for the chocolate aisle!!
:-)
HG; I think our random sample pretty much proves that they are price competitive, sometimes a price leader.
The fact that we did not cover every product in the store is not important, our sample is random, our sample was fairly broad, and our sample clearly showed that they can be competitive.
To your point, they seem to deserve a chance and I will probably go there to see what I can scoop up before I do my weekly at Shoprite. As in, they seem to definitely deserve a chance.
And yes, I will focus on sale prices for my first run. If it goes well, will go for more. And yes again, figured a bigger chain.
Hey, over three decades ago, I was a Weiss chopper and another state. Since coming to New Jersey, three decades ago, I’ve seen many come and go trying to shake Shoprite off its leadership position. Is the only one that has lasted. For anyone to come even close to being competitive for Shoprite prices to me seems to be a miracle worth a look-see.
Whoever brought this up in this thread, I thank you.
"The fact that we did not cover every product in the store is not important, our sample is random, our sample was fairly broad, and our sample clearly showed that they can be competitive."
Not a random selection at all. Multiple cracker examples with one at an equal price. Two different cheeses and 1 organic milk. Two cereals and a specific candy bar. These examples are not what one can consider a broad example in order to make a fair and accurate comparison for a full shopping visit. A valid and true quantifiable comparison would include at minimum10 basic staples that every family needs and purchases weekly. For example, produce, meat of any kind, seafood, canned goods, all types of dairy, various frozen foods, bakery, deli items, breads etc. Once those items are compared one can make an informed decision. In addition a coupon and price plus discount should be taken into consideration as well. I am unsure of how robust NF's program is but we all know SR and others are quite formidable if used wisely.
With that said, clearly this store specializes in a certain product line and certainly should be very competitive price-wise with the other large grocers in our area. As mentioned this is likely a store folks will shop at as a specialty item place in addition to their "regular" shopping routine. I would gather however most families are looking for a one stop shopping type of convenience. I'm not against this store or anything like it just it's simply not the end all be all for most folks. It's another alternative for those certain lines of products for sure. Honestly, I was ambivalent when I stopped in there several weeks back.
This place is amazing for those trying to eat healthier and cleaner...also vegetarians!
Alla23 Alla23 - yes!!
Aside from good prices, if you’re tired of the same old same old — Kraft …Campbell …Nestle …Tyson …Kelloggs ……..etc.etc. —- this store is phenomenal.
I just found out about this place last week and was very impressed! I had been trying to eat healthier and driving to Whole Foods, had no idea this place had opened and has what I am looking for locally. I will definitely be adding into my routine.
Joso I love the chocolate aisle, salad dressing aisle, & supplement aisle - so many interesting & unique things!
Luca2 — as you mentioned the supplement aisle, I bought Nordic Naturals Algae Omega (the largest bottle) for $31.49 (it was $34.49 plus the store had a $3 coupon on the bottle).
For comparison, both Amazon and Walmart are selling it for $44.98 and $45.01.
HG; not random enough…..bunk. If you find a bunch of prices less than SR, it’s a miracle worth checking out.
And yes, at first I will sale shop and love for neat things not at SR; do most my shopping at SR, and then see where it goes.
I shop a lot online now too post covid for small batch specialty items and while usually more expensive, old folk, smaller portions, works out. Funny thing, Perdue of all folks opened one selling frozen chicken, flash, small batches, and I think better than the fresh Perdue in the store. Gotta plunk down 170 for free shipping so like over 30 lbs of chicken, but I have a freezer. .
Babbit - exactly. I’m finding prices either less, or the same as other stores. Here’s another example from the frozen dept. —— I went to see if NF has my favorite ice cream - Tillamook. Well, not only are they selling it for the same price as SR, they have ALL the flavors available. Shoprite and Weis only have a few of them.
Fyi; try das creamery in budd lake. A HL pick that is incredible. Back to small batches.
Or Steyers Brothers Syrup in Garrett County Md: 100 year old family farm but no web page or credit cards. Just call and use paypal. Far cheaper than known spots.
Or Davidovich Bakery in briooklyn with online outta nj for real nyc watet bagels. Bread to die for v
Or James Candy, Freylingers from nj shore. I didn't realize fresh chocolate is better. It is!!! Nj proud and home of nj taffy.
Or nutz.com nj 70 year old company kids took internet. They half dry fruit for glorious goodness. Nj proud.
Soon, gotta go to windy brow farms our side of newton. This guy can bake and does apple cider donuts, oh my.
Covid really opened my eyes to the small batch world outside of SR. This new market is obviously bigger, but anyone who can compete on price or uniqueness with SR is always worth a look see
Has anyone tried curbside there?
Not to start any rumors
Head over to hackettstown.net and look at the land use board agenda for September..it's very interesting
Wow, that would be great. We love shopping there in while in FL, I hope it works out!
FarmerJake Luca2 — don’t be hesitant about purchasing a case of water there without checking the price. I just bought a gallon of Poland Spring for $1.89 — ShopRite’s price is $2.19.
I bought some things at Natures Food this week …… and today I was in Shoprite and checked their prices of the same items.
Brianna’s salad dressing — NF - $3.59, SR - $3.99
Brown Cow Yogurt — NF - 99c - SR - $1.29
Chobani Yogurt — NF - 99c - SR - $1.59
Esti Hummus — NF - $3.29 - SR - $3.99
Feel Good Egg Rolls — NF - $8.19 - SR - $9.49
Kewpie Mayo — NF - $4.59 - SR - $4.99
Bragg Apple Cider vinegar — NF - $4.79 (32 ounce) SR — $4.69 (16 ounce - no 32 ounce on the shelf)
Kenz Pita Bread (15 ounces) - NF - $1.99 … Kontos Pita Bread (14 ounces) - SR - $3.99
Just an FYI. It looks like SR is the better option for Ezekiel bread actually.
"Ezekiel 4:9 original - SR - $7.49. NF - $7.49" .
I didn't think that was correct when I read that a week ago as I buy the Ezekiel original all the time at ShopRite. I wanted to confirm and it is $5.99 as I picked some up just an hour ago. All types are $5.99 except the Genesis 1:29 that was $7.49 I believe.
Sorry, I had listed the Ezekiel right under the Kashi, both being the price for the boxed cereal.
So in fact when I now checked the website, for the Ezekiel Bread:
NF - $4.79 on sale, reg.price $5.79 ……SR - $5.99
So even when NOT on sale, it is still less than shoprite.
I finally made it out to Nature’s Food Market this morning. It’s a beautiful store. Great produce. Many more cheese options than I expected. Excellent selection of oils, sauces, dressings, etc. Meats looked really good, although I had none on my list for this week. My wife and I are going to LOVE the cereal selections here. Was able to do my whole list for the week, and total cost was roughly the same as other places I shop. (I generally shop at either Weis or, when I need certain bulk items, Walmart.) The only issue I see is that there were no pork products available at all. I don’t buy pork items every week, but when I have them on my list this will obviously not be the place to go. Otherwise, it might well be my new regular spot.
Monty Monty - since you mentioned the great produce, I have to say I bought the most delicious head of frisée chicory. I always loved sautéing escarole and chicory together but shoprite has stopped carrying chicory for several years now. Plus, the frisée style is tender enough to eat raw in a salad. Every time I go to Nature’s Food Market I find something new and amazing.
I bought red kale there yesterday - never heard of it but it looked good! I just wish the store wasn't always so freezing!
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