Is the former A&P located in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County, NJ going to reopen as an Acme (same location as former Acme in the 1990's before it became toast (including an entire shopping center) when it burnt to the ground!
Nope, they don't want that location. The Pompton Lakes Acme is on blog ON fire... http://acmestyleblog.blogspot.com/search/label/NJ%3A%20Pompton%20Lakes?m=0
Photos of the new Acme construction in Sea Isle City, NJ moving along.http://seaislecityguide.weebly.com/sea-isle-blog/sea-isle-acme-construction-pictures
I curious to know if you have heard anything official or otherwise as to how Acme is doing since the Albertsons takeover. The Safeway stores near me are visibly more crowded and much nicer to shop in since Albertsons took over.
During the first year of the takeover, Acme same store sales were up 7% and were trending to be up 10% for the full year. The most recent report, which I covered on January 25, has Acme sales figures lumped in with Jewel and Shaws. The 3 chains combined had a 3.6% increase in same store sales. You can check out some more details here... http://acmestyleblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/news-break-sales-improving-at.html
Not entirely related but thought I'd pass along for those who didn't know: the Lodi Kmart, which was next door to the old Acme that was featured on the blog, is on its way out of business after many years. Guessing the Teterboro Landing Walmart finally choked the last bits of life from it.
(Seriously... all three (!) Walmarts in that general area are within five minutes. Saddle Brook is a short drive from the Main St. exit on 46, as is Teterboro, and the Garfield Supercenter is down Passaic Street. How that store even made it this far I don't know.0
Lidl, a discount grocery chain similar to Aldi, is coming to the US. I used to shop there when I lived in Germany, and it has cheaper prices than traditional supermarkets. It's easy in/easy out. The products are shelved in the shipping boxes. It's no frills, but the products are off beat, interesting, and high quality. http://www.businessinsider.com/aldi-and-lidl-threaten-whole-foods-business-2016-4
I have shopped at the Phoenixville Acme for many years now. And to be completely honest with everyone, almost nothing has changed since the SuperValu days. Private label name changes are the only changes that have taken place. I miss Wild Harvest! Can't they spruce that old joint up a bit? It does a good business, remodel the place!
Meanwhile, in the seemingly never ending saga of the Clifton Pathmark, there's been some sort of work being done inside over the last few days. I've seen people milling about in there and for some reason, one of the bay doors on the loading dock was open. And by open, I mean wide open to the point where someone could've snuck in there to do whatever and left.
Fairway Market is rumored to go Chapter 11 next month. The NYC chain has some nice stores but high prices (even for NYC) and from Yelp reviews, rapidly declining service.
I wonder if ACME could open up some stores in NYC proper...
If you had actually been to some of the Fairways in NYC, I doubt you'd use the word "nice" and their prices are actually pretty good. The store themselves are very unconventional most often with bizarre layouts resembling a giant maze. The checkouts can be next to impossible to find. A traditional grocer like Acme wouldn't anything to do with these stores.
How much (if any) of that comes from either the store's overall size (I'd guess smaller being in NYC due to lack of space) and/or from combined spaces (like they took over several smaller spots to make a space big enough for a market)?
The other question is, could another store or brand come in and basically start over, removing all that "giant maze" and set it up in a more normal format?
To do that you've gotta re-gut the stores. I have a feeling if Fairway goes down, they're going to have a lot of trouble leasing those spaces because of all the work that would need doing. Especially in Paramus. Good lord was that a nightmare to navigate! Woodland Park is a little better, but not much.
While any Fairway conversions obviously wouldn't be the ol' "close the store, give it a reset, re-train employees, and cover up the logos" maneuver that ACME, Kroger, and others have done, but the space is built like a supermarket in terms of loading docks, parking, and probably construction of perishable departments. After all, the Woodland Park store used to be a Pathmark.
If any Fairway stores do close, they will be attractive to other supermarket chains, even if does require work to "restore" it to a traditional format.
Besides, even ACME has had some unusual stores. There was one A&P conversion profiled, I don't remember which one, but it was a Fresh remodel where instead of traditional aisles, there were clustered different categories together like a department store complete with walls. This made for an attractive set-up yet it wasn't very practical...and ACME kept that set-up, at least initially.
Hence why I think it's such an issue in Jersey. Because Fairway actually had to use a regular store template as opposed to just going into a random ass building and opening up.
Paramus' produce and service departments are not particularly laid out well and you could walk in circles before realizing that you're being funneled to the right. Woodland Park is a little better as you can cut through produce and the liquor department as soon as you get in but you're left off right behind the registers and that's a pain.
And can someone please explain to me why Fairway is the only grocery chain that doesn't let you get cash back when you pay with a check card? That bugs me. A lot.
Suspicion would be that (at least in some parts of the city) the cramming into random spaces was simply that those were the only spaces they could find. It seems that many markets within the city are like that, probably since by the time the "supermarket" came around most of the city was built up enough that buying land for a regular sized one was nearly impossible, and if such a large area did occur would be tough for a lower profit business like a supermarket to afford.
A new Grocery Outlet opening in Quakertown on April 23rd, I'll have to check it out, it opened in the place of Sears in Trainers Corner, where the other ACME was before moving to Richland Crossings. First 250 customers get a tote bag! ☺
Since Farmboy took over the Food Basics in Paterson, we've been getting a circular from them. This week, I picked up the circular and notice that they've rebranded themselves as "Farmboy Superfresh". Complete with the last logo Superfresh used before A&P went under.
Farmboy is owned by Key Foods and they bought the SuperFresh name. I don't love the store having two logos but it is great seeing the SuperFresh sign again...
So the original sign they put on the store only lasted a few months. Kind of odd since the SuperFresh names is not well known in this part of New Jersey. But then again, I've never heard of Farmboy Country Market.
They apparently are a small chain of stores, from what I gather in the same vein as Western Beef, based in the outer boroughs of New York. Key Food I'm guessing is just supplying them, as they are at Gala Fresh in Passaic.
It did seem odd that Key bought the name as their general market area does not really correspond to the area that Superfresh had previously been in. Unless they figured at some point they could use it to seem like an all new chain of stores (by rebranding stores to that name)?
I was in the Woodcliff Lake store today and they are announcing over the loud speaker to please pardon their appearance as they are going to be "resetting" the store for the next several weeks. Not sure if there will be any decor or signage changes (has same decor/signage as New Providence) but I wonder if these changes have anything to do with the Wegmans being built 2 miles away in Montvale.
Acme has been advertising a lot in my area. I've seen plenty of "Acme <3's local" ads all over the place–on billboards, on television, and even on busses. The odd thing is, my nearest Acme is almost 4 miles away... Still, it's nice to see them back, especially considering that my area is jam-packed with Stop&Shops, ShopRites, and Walmarts.
That's one of those kind of funny things in some of those areas. For example where we are here in part of upstate NY, 4 miles is about the closest store - beyond that you are talking 10 or 15 miles to other "store clusters". I guess it's just what you are used to, as other areas further north in the state would think 15 miles was just around the corner compared to what they might have to travel.
A couple weeks ago, I drove by the Naaman's Road store in Wilmington. They replaced the white sign with red. They just posted about a grand reopening there on Instagram. Maybe they are starting to go through and doing some actual remodeling!
Is the former A&P located in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County, NJ going to reopen as an Acme (same location as former Acme in the 1990's before it became toast (including an entire shopping center) when it burnt to the ground!
ReplyDeleteNope, they don't want that location. The Pompton Lakes Acme is on blog ON fire...
Deletehttp://acmestyleblog.blogspot.com/search/label/NJ%3A%20Pompton%20Lakes?m=0
Photos of the new Acme construction in Sea Isle City, NJ moving along.http://seaislecityguide.weebly.com/sea-isle-blog/sea-isle-acme-construction-pictures
ReplyDeleteI curious to know if you have heard anything official or otherwise as to how Acme is doing since the Albertsons takeover. The Safeway stores near me are visibly more crowded and much nicer to shop in since Albertsons took over.
ReplyDeleteDuring the first year of the takeover, Acme same store sales were up 7% and were trending to be up 10% for the full year. The most recent report, which I covered on January 25, has Acme sales figures lumped in with Jewel and Shaws. The 3 chains combined had a 3.6% increase in same store sales. You can check out some more details here...
Deletehttp://acmestyleblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/news-break-sales-improving-at.html
Not entirely related but thought I'd pass along for those who didn't know: the Lodi Kmart, which was next door to the old Acme that was featured on the blog, is on its way out of business after many years. Guessing the Teterboro Landing Walmart finally choked the last bits of life from it.
ReplyDelete(Seriously... all three (!) Walmarts in that general area are within five minutes. Saddle Brook is a short drive from the Main St. exit on 46, as is Teterboro, and the Garfield Supercenter is down Passaic Street. How that store even made it this far I don't know.0
Lidl, a discount grocery chain similar to Aldi, is coming to the US. I used to shop there when I lived in Germany, and it has cheaper prices than traditional supermarkets. It's easy in/easy out. The products are shelved in the shipping boxes. It's no frills, but the products are off beat, interesting, and high quality. http://www.businessinsider.com/aldi-and-lidl-threaten-whole-foods-business-2016-4
ReplyDeleteThe empty Wayne A&P has a new tenant.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.northjersey.com/news/business/food-markets-sprouting-1.1542952
Looks as though the existing facade isn't going to be replaced as much as it's going to be covered over with a new one.
ReplyDeleteI have shopped at the Phoenixville Acme for many years now. And to be completely honest with everyone, almost nothing has changed since the SuperValu days. Private label name changes are the only changes that have taken place. I miss Wild Harvest! Can't they spruce that old joint up a bit? It does a good business, remodel the place!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, in the seemingly never ending saga of the Clifton Pathmark, there's been some sort of work being done inside over the last few days. I've seen people milling about in there and for some reason, one of the bay doors on the loading dock was open. And by open, I mean wide open to the point where someone could've snuck in there to do whatever and left.
ReplyDeleteAnd following up, the subdividing has begun.
ReplyDeleteFairway Market is rumored to go Chapter 11 next month. The NYC chain has some nice stores but high prices (even for NYC) and from Yelp reviews, rapidly declining service.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if ACME could open up some stores in NYC proper...
If you had actually been to some of the Fairways in NYC, I doubt you'd use the word "nice" and their prices are actually pretty good. The store themselves are very unconventional most often with bizarre layouts resembling a giant maze. The checkouts can be next to impossible to find. A traditional grocer like Acme wouldn't anything to do with these stores.
DeleteHow much (if any) of that comes from either the store's overall size (I'd guess smaller being in NYC due to lack of space) and/or from combined spaces (like they took over several smaller spots to make a space big enough for a market)?
DeleteThe other question is, could another store or brand come in and basically start over, removing all that "giant maze" and set it up in a more normal format?
To do that you've gotta re-gut the stores. I have a feeling if Fairway goes down, they're going to have a lot of trouble leasing those spaces because of all the work that would need doing. Especially in Paramus. Good lord was that a nightmare to navigate! Woodland Park is a little better, but not much.
DeleteWhile any Fairway conversions obviously wouldn't be the ol' "close the store, give it a reset, re-train employees, and cover up the logos" maneuver that ACME, Kroger, and others have done, but the space is built like a supermarket in terms of loading docks, parking, and probably construction of perishable departments. After all, the Woodland Park store used to be a Pathmark.
DeleteIf any Fairway stores do close, they will be attractive to other supermarket chains, even if does require work to "restore" it to a traditional format.
Besides, even ACME has had some unusual stores. There was one A&P conversion profiled, I don't remember which one, but it was a Fresh remodel where instead of traditional aisles, there were clustered different categories together like a department store complete with walls. This made for an attractive set-up yet it wasn't very practical...and ACME kept that set-up, at least initially.
There's hardly a Fairway in NYC that was "built" to be s supermarket. They just crammed themselves into the most random spaces they could.
DeleteHence why I think it's such an issue in Jersey. Because Fairway actually had to use a regular store template as opposed to just going into a random ass building and opening up.
DeleteParamus' produce and service departments are not particularly laid out well and you could walk in circles before realizing that you're being funneled to the right. Woodland Park is a little better as you can cut through produce and the liquor department as soon as you get in but you're left off right behind the registers and that's a pain.
And can someone please explain to me why Fairway is the only grocery chain that doesn't let you get cash back when you pay with a check card? That bugs me. A lot.
Suspicion would be that (at least in some parts of the city) the cramming into random spaces was simply that those were the only spaces they could find. It seems that many markets within the city are like that, probably since by the time the "supermarket" came around most of the city was built up enough that buying land for a regular sized one was nearly impossible, and if such a large area did occur would be tough for a lower profit business like a supermarket to afford.
DeleteHi AcmeStyle!
ReplyDeleteHere is an article from the local paper, detailing the final days at the Oxford Acme:
http://www.dailylocal.com/business/20160420/acme-in-oxford-prepares-to-close
A new Grocery Outlet opening in Quakertown on April 23rd, I'll have to check it out, it opened in the place of Sears in Trainers Corner, where the other ACME was before moving to Richland Crossings. First 250 customers get a tote bag! ☺
ReplyDeleteOkay, here's a strange one.
ReplyDeleteSince Farmboy took over the Food Basics in Paterson, we've been getting a circular from them. This week, I picked up the circular and notice that they've rebranded themselves as "Farmboy Superfresh". Complete with the last logo Superfresh used before A&P went under.
Surprised that they can do that.
Farmboy is owned by Key Foods and they bought the SuperFresh name. I don't love the store having two logos but it is great seeing the SuperFresh sign again...
Deletehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/115637162@N02/25734168666
This gets even more interesting... the store was only recently rebranded as SuperFresh. It started out as a regular Farmboy Country Market...
Deletehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/115637162@N02/24797785305/in/photostream/
So the original sign they put on the store only lasted a few months. Kind of odd since the SuperFresh names is not well known in this part of New Jersey. But then again, I've never heard of Farmboy Country Market.
They apparently are a small chain of stores, from what I gather in the same vein as Western Beef, based in the outer boroughs of New York. Key Food I'm guessing is just supplying them, as they are at Gala Fresh in Passaic.
DeleteIt did seem odd that Key bought the name as their general market area does not really correspond to the area that Superfresh had previously been in. Unless they figured at some point they could use it to seem like an all new chain of stores (by rebranding stores to that name)?
ReplyDeleteI was in the Woodcliff Lake store today and they are announcing over the loud speaker to please pardon their appearance as they are going to be "resetting" the store for the next several weeks. Not sure if there will be any decor or signage changes (has same decor/signage as New Providence) but I wonder if these changes have anything to do with the Wegmans being built 2 miles away in Montvale.
ReplyDeleteLooks like ACME is starting to remodel some of the stores they bought: https://www.flickr.com/photos/31660989@N05/26003640113/in/dateposted/
ReplyDeleteAcme has been advertising a lot in my area. I've seen plenty of "Acme <3's local" ads all over the place–on billboards, on television, and even on busses. The odd thing is, my nearest Acme is almost 4 miles away...
ReplyDeleteStill, it's nice to see them back, especially considering that my area is jam-packed with Stop&Shops, ShopRites, and Walmarts.
That's one of those kind of funny things in some of those areas. For example where we are here in part of upstate NY, 4 miles is about the closest store - beyond that you are talking 10 or 15 miles to other "store clusters".
DeleteI guess it's just what you are used to, as other areas further north in the state would think 15 miles was just around the corner compared to what they might have to travel.
A couple weeks ago, I drove by the Naaman's Road store in Wilmington. They replaced the white sign with red. They just posted about a grand reopening there on Instagram. Maybe they are starting to go through and doing some actual remodeling!
ReplyDelete