UPDATE: Former ACME, Parsippany, NJ

 

Location: 3053 U.S. 46, Parsippany, NJ

Today we're jumping back to one of the very first ACME locations ever covered on the blog. The original post went up on February 26, 2009. A few things have happened here since then, with BIG coming for its future. We'll get to that soon. The ACME opened on 8-20-1957. Closed in the late 80's with its 70's Colonial Décor still intact and topping out at about 20,000 square feet. Looking at the aerial images over the decades, there always seemed to be a very decent crowd at the ACME but nearby competition from much larger stores like Pathmark and ShopRite most certainly helped do this place in. 

Back in 2009, Michaels was the tenant here but just a few years later, around 2011, Michaels ditched this former ACME in favor of the former A&P just a few miles away in the Troy Hills Shopping Center. That location has recently closed as Michaels' troubles grow now that they are owned by private equity. Service has been gutted and prices are absolutely out of control. I personally used to be a regular shopper at Michaels and have completely given up due to the astronomical rise in prices. 

As you may remember, this location continues to have a fantastic artifact remaining in place from the ACME days. This colonial-style window near the former entrance used to house the weekly circular for shoppers to view before entering. It is currently a legit window with ACME's original frame virtually untouched. 

Just around the corner, we can see that scars still remain from the magic carpets and railing. Shoppers would have entered here and walked along the front of the store to get to the produce department which would have lined the far wall. 

Today when we look inside, we see remnants of the for blink fitness which closed in August 2024 after the company declared bankruptcy. ACME's entrance and exit right there on the left. 

The above photo is from this article announcing the closing of this blink location shortly after the company declared bankruptcy. 

A quick look around back...

The Morris Hills Shopping Center has been in serious decline for years. Aside from blink closing, both Marshalls and Home Goods have left the center and relocated to the former Kmart in the nearby Westmount-Arlington Plaza. While Morris Hills has been fading into total abandonment in recent years, word has come that Trader Joe's is planning to move in! While the exact location has not been confirmed by the company, there is a lot of speculation that Trader Joes' will take over the former ACME space. Would be great to see the building operating as a food store once again! 

I discovered this sign on my most recent trip to the shopping center. On first look, I thought for sure it had to be leftover from the ACME days. In fact I was convinced of it as ACME used to install ridiculously large signs in their parking lots back in the day. After reviewing historic images of the shopping center, I unfortunately have to conclude that this is NOT leftover from the ACME. Part of me is still not convinced! 

A quick jump to the Troy Hills Shopping Center, looking at the former A&P/Michaels with a very interesting facade upgrade. The building is now being prepped for a Ross Dress for Less. Interestingly, the shopping center, while currently looking pretty great, is going to be refreshed soon. Most work entails improvements in the difficult-to-navigate parking lot. Below is a photo of the current smaller-format Target which operates in Pathmark's former space. 

1987

Still looking like ACME was drawing a decent crowd in its final years. 

1963

Jumping back to 1963, about 5 years after the store opened. 

Leaving you one a bonus pic! This appeared on the blog years ago but it so good not to share again here. Up on the wall you see ACME's famous built-in clock just above the customer service office.