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. The ACME is the larger building on the right side of the image. 

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. 

Going Back in Time at the Parsippany Acme!

Location: 1099 Route 46, Parsippany, NJ

The former Parsippany Acme was one of the very first stores to be posted on the blog back in 2009. The post is not very extensive. I was a little nervous taking pictures so I managed to get only three. Didn't dare to take any on the inside. Oh, how things have changed. You can visit the original post by clicking here. One of these days I'll revisit this location and give it the exhaustive Acme Style treatment. In the meantime, we'll head back to the 1960's for a look inside! The photographs you will soon be linked to were taken by the Parsippany Police department as they were investigating a robbery that took place at this location. Thieves came in through the roof, broke into the safe and wiped it clean. While the police photographed the immediate crime scene, they also took additional pictures throughout the store. Little did they know how excited people would be to see them 50 years later! These are some of the most rare photos we have ever seen on the blog.

Before I give you the link, I need you to take a look at the OTHER Acme clock. I've mentioned this clock on the blog a few times over the years but have never been able to get a photo to share... until now! A screen grab of Parsippany's Customer Service Department is right below...


Could I be more thrilled to finally have this on the blog? No. This has been at the top of my wish list for years. Now, if I can just get a picture of the gold and brown Bakery wall paper to show you, my wish list would be complete! Does anyone remember this clock from other Acmes? I know Sparta had one and possibly Newton as well. I remember seeing it in other stores but can't recall exactly which ones.

Ready to be transported in time?

Just click here!

Thanks to Guy for sending in the link to the photos and the details of the robbery. Be sure to check out his fascinating Facebook page on the history of Pan American World Airlines by clicking here.

Former Acme — Parsippany, NJ

Location: 1159 Route 46, Parsippany NJ

This Michaels Art and Crafts store located in the Morris Hills Shopping Center in Parsippany NJ is a former Acme location. It closed in either the late 80's or very early 90's. The interior had the 70's colonial decor witht the fish-eye logo until the end. The facade of the shopping center was upgraded shortly before Acme closed. It was a small store with only 8 or 9 aisles. I believe it did have an in-store bakery which would be unsual for Acme's of this small size. This store had fierce competition from a much larger Pathmark and ShopRite down the highway.


In this shot you can see the cut out section around the Michaels logo where the Acme sign used to be.


The doors to the Acme most likely were where the darkened windows are now. The framed window was used for posting Acme specials for the week. There is an identical one at the other end of the store. I have seen these windows on this style of Acmes at several locations but not with the type of frame which matched with the colonial decor of the interior of the store.