Discuss! http://www.genuardis.com/
QuoteOriginally posted by 76BraldorZayKamesfanBBTB
Do you know the logo and if they're still around?
plus if they're out of business when were they founded and when did they close?
They are still around. They opened during the 20's. They changed the sign in 1998 to the current one. (I liked the old one better.) The Genuadi's family sold the chain to Safeway in 2000.
Bleh. Safeway changed the whole chain to $hit. They did this with another chain they bought in Illonois or somewhere in that area. Prices are horrible and the only time I go there is when they have something on sale (hardly ever) or for the $5 pizza on weekends. The stores are kept real nice, clean, and modern though.
Old Logo:
(http://membrane.com/philanet/berks/projects/towvsq.jpg)
Notice (if you can see) the lack of the 's in the logo. This was added into the new 1998+ logo.
QuoteOriginally posted by MBZ321
Old Logo:
(http://membrane.com/philanet/berks/projects/towvsq.jpg)
Notice (if you can see) the lack of the 's in the logo. This was added into the new 1998+ logo.
Man I miss that logo. So 50's.
ive nerver heard of them
QuoteOriginally posted by Caldor1999
ive nerver heard of them
They are popular in Pennsylvania.
Heres a picture of the Genuardi's in Dreshertown Pa. that was remodeled in 2002 to 2003. This was before then. Way in the back you can see an old K Mart which is no longer in buisness today.
(http://www.springfield-montco.org/images/ph-mall.jpg)
http://www.springfield-montco.org/businessdirectory.asp
Pretty all new Genuardi's look like this now.
(http://www.djwagner.com/images/sitephoto/genuardinew.jpg)
http://www.djwagner.com/
Mmmm Mmmmmmm! Genuardi's Pizza! :tumble:
(http://www.betzios.com/images/products/genuardis-3slice.gif)
http://www.betzios.com/
Genuardi's Spring Water.
(http://www.sunsetwholesale.com/sunset/assets/big_images/0166750.jpg)
http://www.sunsetwholesale.com/
Genuardi's Corprate Center in Plymouth Meeting Pa.. I was inside once.
(http://www.suncontrolspecialists.com/images/genuardies.gif)
http://www.suncontrolspecialists.com/
QuoteOriginally posted by storehistoryguy
Pretty all new Genuardi's look like this now.
This looks like the Warrington, PA store
QuoteOriginally posted by MBZ321
QuoteOriginally posted by storehistoryguy
Pretty all new Genuardi's look like this now.
This looks like the Warrington, PA store
It could be. Theres alot that look like that.
QuoteOriginally posted by storehistoryguy
QuoteOriginally posted by 76BraldorZayKamesfanBBTB
Do you know the logo and if they're still around?
plus if they're out of business when were they founded and when did they close?
They are still around. They opened during the 20's. They changed the sign in 1998 to the current one. (I liked the old one better.) The Genuadi's family sold the chain to Safeway in 2000.
Actually, the logo changed to the current style back in 1995. I have the Genuardi's newspaper ad that shows the new logo being placed on one of their stores.
QuoteOriginally posted by MBZ321
Old Logo:
(http://membrane.com/philanet/berks/projects/towvsq.jpg)
Notice (if you can see) the lack of the 's in the logo. This was added into the new 1998+ logo.
The former Genuardi Super Market/Genuardi's Family Market in Lansdale, PA
An old Genuardi's in West Chester, PA moved to a HUGE store in 2003, complete with Starbucks. The Genuardi's in Wynnewood, PA is in the lower level of a former Wanamaker's. The upper level is now a Bed Bath & Beyond. The Genuardi's in St. Davids, PA is in a former B. Altman's, another local department store. This building was divided into four stores, also including a Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as T.J. Maxx and Drug Emporium. The Drug Emporium is now a HomeGoods.
Genuardi's owned Zagara's, a small chain of high-end markets. When Safeway bought Genuardi's, they spun off Zagara's and made Genuardi's own stores higher end. Zagara's closed in 2003.
There is a store in Harleysville, PA called Henning's Market. The store looks sort of like a late 90's Genuardi's. Part of this building was a Jamesway for many years. Genuardi's opened several stores in early 1996, right after Jamesway shut down, so perhaps Genuardi's moved right in? Henning's is a Thriftway franchisee. This is the nicest Thriftway I've ever seen, with a large cafe, even an upstairs, so it was probably built as something else. At the other end of the shopping center is a medical building that looks like it was a grocery store. Kind of looks like the original Genuardi's in Norristown.
Good point. I saw joshaustin610's photo of it on Flickr, and it does remind me a lot of Genuardi's, however I've been told that the Jamesway was vacant from 1991 to 2003 and then Henning's remodeled the building themselves. Genaurdi's of the era were not as large and had a canopy with windows under it in the middle of the store. Also, I've never seen a Genaurdi's with two huge entrances like that, they would normally be on the sides of the canopy with windows under it (or whatever the proper term is).
Since Thriftway is a retailer's cooperative where different groups of people or companies own each store, the stores can really vary in size, layout, and building design. They could be small and old or huge and new.
QuoteOriginally posted by videogamer75
Good point. I saw joshaustin610's photo of it on Flickr, and it does remind me a lot of Genuardi's, however I've been told that the Jamesway was vacant from 1991 to 2003 and then Henning's remodeled the building themselves. Genaurdi's of the era were not as large and had a canopy with windows under it in the middle of the store. Also, I've never seen a Genaurdi's with two huge entrances like that, they would normally be on the sides of the canopy with windows under it (or whatever the proper term is).
Since Thriftway is a retailer's cooperative where different groups of people or companies own each store, the stores can really vary in size, layout, and building design. They could be small and old or huge and new.
The lighting at this store, though, matches the lighting Genuardi's used during that era. Other fixtures too.
joshaustin610 might be wrong, since he just photographed the Genuardi's in Wynnewood, PA and said it opened in 1996. Wikipedia, in their Genuardi's article, mentioned that store opened in November 2000. It was a John Wanamaker.
Perhaps Henning's was a Zagara's (gourmet division of Genuardi's)?
Well, I wouldn't really trust Wikipedia, they rarely ever have accurate info. The lighting thing may just be a coincidence. Harleysville's a pretty small town too, Genaurdi's usually locates in higher population areas.
This is just my observations, though. Someone who lives near there could tell you better than I could.
QuoteOriginally posted by videogamer75
Well, I wouldn't really trust Wikipedia, they rarely ever have accurate info. The lighting thing may just be a coincidence. Harleysville's a pretty small town too, Genaurdi's usually locates in higher population areas.
This is just my observations, though. Someone who lives near there could tell you better than I could.
Just a suggestion, it could have briefly been one. Gourmet grocery stores like it come and go. The store could have opened in 2000, but closed after Safeway bought Genuardi's. That happened to the one in Bensalem, PA that became a ShopRite around 2005. There is an abandoned Genuardi's in East Windsor, NJ with the same design.
Harleysville is not quite a small town. It is more suburban and has a fair share of sprawl. Nearby Lansdale has even more sprawl. I hear it is actually close to Trenton. There is a large campground in Harleysville popular with the Boy Scouts though. Based on joshaustin610's photos, it looks like Genuardi's kind of downsized in that area...
Harleysville has a population of about 8,800 people....i'd call it a small town. Like I said, I don't live there so someone who does could tell you better than I could, but I just don't think it was ever a Genaurdi's. I'm sure if it was then joshaustin610 would say so since he lives near there.
I have seen a picture on Google Images that shows a Genaurdi's with two huge entrances on both sides of the ''canopy w/ windows under it'', so that supports your hypothesis, but they don't appear similar to the kind Henning's Thriftway has. In addition, Henning's Thriftway has two rows of windows on the front and no canopy.
Also, Henning's Thriftway was originally located in a smaller building in the same plaza, so it that points more in favor of it going directly from Jamesway to Henning's Thriftway. You could be right, it may have briefly been a Genaurdi's at one point, but the architectural similarities just seem coincidental to me.
QuoteOriginally posted by videogamer75
Harleysville has a population of about 8,800 people....i'd call it a small town. Like I said, I don't live there so someone who does could tell you better than I could, but I just don't think it was ever a Genaurdi's. I'm sure if it was then joshaustin610 would say so since he lives near there.
I have seen a picture on Google Images that shows a Genaurdi's with two huge entrances on both sides of the ''canopy w/ windows under it'', so that supports your hypothesis, but they don't appear similar to the kind Henning's Thriftway has. In addition, Henning's Thriftway has two rows of windows on the front and no canopy.
Also, Henning's Thriftway was originally located in a smaller building in the same plaza, so it that points more in favor of it going directly from Jamesway to Henning's Thriftway. You could be right, it may have briefly been a Genaurdi's at one point, but the architectural similarities just seem coincidental to me.
OK, maybe it never was a Genuardi's. Henning's is fancier than most Genuardi's. They have an upstairs, more fresh food, play classical music in the store, etc. The store is bigger too. I do know that some Genuardi's used to be other stores. They seem to like 50's department store buildings! I doubt Thriftway would remodel a store that much...
It's sad, most older Genuardi's today are in seriously bad shape. Some of them have improved after the Safeway "Lifestyle" remodel.
For comparison, Henning's looks kind of like the Genuardi's on Fire Road in Pleasantville. The inside looks more like an older one though.
I have seen that Genuardi's before, it is right across the street from the Super Fresh and Staples. They do have some nice stores, but all in all I'd rather go to Acme or Super Fresh.
Heres the genuardis in feasterville, pa.
(http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/8333/genuardis1.jpg)
(http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9056/genuardis2.jpg)
(http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5126/gunardis3.jpg)
Here's a pic of the Genuardi's in Newtown, PA:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4907489810_ba164f31ee_z.jpg)
Nice looking classy store :)
Here is a list of the Genuardi's stores in PA, including those that are closed, and the org. shopette:
- Audubon (Genuardi’s #04): 2850 Audubon Village Drive (Egypt & Pawlings Road) (Opened 11/2/1965. Closed 1992 and moved to other end of shopping center in 1995)
- Bensalem (Genuardi’s #17): 900 Neshaminy Mall (Opened 10/19/1983 in former Pathmark. Closed 1997)
- Bensalem (Genuardi’s #39): 2220 Neshaminy Boulevard (SW Corner Bristol & Hulmeville Road. Closed 2005)
- Chalfont (New Brittan) (Genuardi’s #22): 4275 County Line Road (Opened 6/1/1989)
- Chesterbrook (Wayne) (Genuardi’s #16): 500 Chesterbrook Boulevard (Opened 5/20/1981. Closed 8/21/2010)
- Conshohocken: 200 West Ridge Pike
- Doylestown (Genuardi’s #21): 73 Old Dublin Pike (Opened 10/26/1988)
- Eagleville (Genuardi’s #08): 3200 Ridge Pike (Opened 10/4/1973)
- East Goshen (Genuardi’s #19): Paoli Pike and Boot Road (Goshen Village Shopping Center) (Opened 3/9/1988. Closed 2004)
- East Marlborough
- Edgmont (Opened 1995. Closed 7/17/2010)
- Exton (Genuardi’s #19): 260 North Pottstown Pike (Opened 10/23/1985. Closed 1991)
- Exton (Lionville): 260 Eagleville Blvd (Opened 2000)
- Feasterville Mad Grocer (Mad Grocer #03): Street Road & Bustelton Pike (Opened 3/29/1982. Closed 1996 and replaced by Feasterville Genuardi’s)
- Feasterville: 1055 Bustelton Pike
- Flourtown (Safeway Store #3013/Genuardi’s #13): 1844 Bethlehem Pike (Opened 4/5/1978 in former Food Fair/Pantry Pride)
- Glen Eagle (Chadds Ford) (Genuardi’s #23): 475 Glen Eagle (Route 202) [Glen Eagle Shopping Center])
- Glen Mills (Opened 1990. Closed 8/21/2010)
- Huntingdon Valley (Genuardi’s #15): 821 Huntingdon Pike (Opened 6/12/1979 in former Penn Fruit. Closed & moved to 737 Huntingdon Pike)
- Huntingdon Valley: 737 Huntingdon Pike
- Jamison (Warwick): 2395 York Road (Opened 1999)
- Jekintown Zagara’s (Zagara’s #02): 913 Old York Road
- Kennett Square: 850 East Baltimore Pike
- King of Prussia (Genuardi’s Store #07): 150 East Beidler Road (Closed & moved to 310 South Henderson Road)
- King of Prussia: 310 South Henderson Road
- Langhorne: 168 North Flower Mill Road
- Lansdale Mad Grocer (Mad Grocer #01): Valley Forge Road
- Lansdale (Towamencin) (Genuardi’s #24): 1758 Allentown Road (Opened 10/1990. Closing 10/2009)
- Maple Glen (Genuardi’s #06): 1925 Norristown Road (Opened 6/24/1969)
- Newtown (Safeway Store #3020/Genuardi’s #20): 2890 South Eagle Road (Opened 3/9/1988)
- Newtown Square: 4899 West Chester Pike (Closing 2010)
- Norristown (Jeffersonville): 1967 West Main Street (G. Genuardi & Sons Superette. Opened 2/1/1940. Closed 2/28/1954 when Genuardi Supermarket opened at 1930 West Main Street)
- Norristown (East Norriton) (Genuardi’s #03): 2961 Swede Road and 115 West Germantown Pike (Closed 1999 and moved to 25 West Germantown Pike)
- Norristown (Genuardi’s Store #11/Mad Grocer #04): Markley Street (Opened 12/10/1975 in former A&P. Closed 1996 as Mad Grocer)
- Norristown (Jeffersonville) (Genuardi’s #01): 1930 West Main Street (Opened 2/28/1954)
- Norristown (Sandy Hill) (Genuardi’s #02): 1000 Sandy Hill Road (Opened 4/2/1958. Closed 2004)
- Norristown: 25 West Germantown Pike
- North Wales (West Point) (Genuardi’s #12): 467 Sumneytown Pike (Opened 10/19/1976)
- North Wales: 107 South Main Street
- Phoenixville (Kimberton) (Genuardi’s #26): 542 Kimberton Road
- Phoenixville Mad Grocer (Mad Grocer #02):
- Pottstown (Genuardi’s #25): 1400 North Charlotte Street (1991-2004)
- Quakertown (Genuardi’s #09/Mad Grocer #05): 240 South West End Boulevard (Opened 11/13/1974 as Genuardi’s. Closed 1996 as The Mad Grocer)
- Roslyn: 2350 Susquehanna Road
- Royersford (Genuardi’s #18): Lewis Road & Chestnut Street (Opened 3/16/1983 in former A&P. Closed 1995 and moved to Buckwalter Road)
- Royersford: 70 Buckwalter Road (Opened 1995)
- Spring City (Genuardi’s #14): 1 East Bridge Street (Main & Bridge Street) (Opened 3/14/1979 in former Acme. Closed 1996 1 year after Buckwalter Road opened)
- Spring House: 1121 Bethlehem Pike
- Springfield: 950 Baltimore Pike (Opened 1996)
- St. Davids (Genuardi’s #27): 550 East Lancaster Avenue (Opened 1992)
- Towamencin: 1758 Allentown Road
- Warminster (Genuardi’s #10): 624 York Road (Opened 01/01/1975 in former Food Fair/Pantry Pride. Closed 1993)
- Warrington: 389 Easton Road (Opened 2000/2001)
- West Chester: 1395 Boot Road
- West Chester: 1572 Paoli Pike (Opened 1987. Closed 2002 and moved to 1395 Boot Road)
- Wynnewood: 50 East Wynnewood Road
- Yeadon (Genuardi’s #04): Chester Avenue (Opened 6/10/1969. Closed 1972)
WOW.
The Genuardi's in Conshohocken, Feasterville, and Langhorne, as well as the Shop Rite in Bensalem (former Genuardi's) has the same design for the buildings, which is a mid-to-late 1990's design
Found out, over @ Grocerita.com's message board, that the Lansdale Genuardi's is closing almost 20 years to the day next month
The Genuardi's in Feasterville and Warrington closes for good as Genuardi's this saturday, November 13, at 6PM, and next year will reopened as Giant [PA]
The feasterville one was the genuardi's i went to most, which was for almost 3 months when I worked for the census this past summer.
Interestingly I have never been in a giant store, I know they are gonna build one at grant ave near the boulavard.
Quote from: MBZ321 on July 29, 2005, 02:14:48 PM
Old Logo:
(http://membrane.com/philanet/berks/projects/towvsq.jpg)
Notice (if you can see) the lack of the 's in the logo. This was added into the new 1998+ logo.
Mystery solved as to this Genuardi's location. This was Genuardi's #24, in Landsdale, at 1758 Allentown Rd; opened in October 1990 and closed in October 2010.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5245492207_7e226cda3f.jpg)
Safeway is looking to sell more Del Val Genuardi's, perhaps even getting out altogether:
http://best-met.com/news/safeway-exploring-options-to-sell-more-genuardis-markets-in-the-delaware-valley/
I had been seeing that popping up as a rumor in various message board comments and so on from people supposedly "in the industry", but nothing substantial about a possible sale until this article. The most common speculation seems to be that they would sell all the stores to Giant (since they already bought two last year), but that definitely wouldn't happen as a full sale - between small size, low volume, and proximity Giant wouldn't want many of the stores. The other (looking on Google) seems to be the stores being sold to Weis, but they've never made an acquisition of that size before (usually they don't acquire more than 15 stores at a time), and I don't know if they'd want to go further into the Philly area unless they're going to be really competitive with Giant and Shop-Rite.
I could definitely see Giant picking a few more stores - absolutely Wynnewood and Radnor, since they're apparently still high volume stores and I'm sure Giant would love a foothold on the Main Line (although I think they still own the gourmet Foodsource store in Bryn Mawr that was part of Clemens). They could also do some relocating like they did with some of the former Lanecos, like move their Abington store to Roslyn to get it further away from Willow Grove, or move the Conshohocken store across the intersection. A few other towns like Springhouse and Jamison don't seem to have any really close competition, so they could probably work too (Maple Glen might be considered too close to the Horsham store though; same with Chalfont and the New Britain Giant).
Great analysis. The feeling I get is that Safeway is pursuing this now because their window of opportunity is shrinking and they don't want to wait for the remains of A&P to implode flooding the market with scores of empty supermarket-sized storefronts.
Doesn't surprise me that they are trying to sell. The stores are too far from their other operations (closest would be their Union-operated Safeway stores in DE/DC/MD area), and their pricing has not been competitive (the ads tend to be exactly the same for their California stores...prices and all). Even Acme, which has its own issues, is more price competitive. Now Genuardi's has all nice, modern stores, but that is about it. (Safeway did invest in some of the stores with a "lifestyle" remodel package, although I think they borrowed some ideas as even 10 years ago, the stores were quite modern). I think Safeway opened one new store under their ownership, but that is about it for growth.
They do have some very good locations in terms of demographics, but the area is becoming quickly over-Giant'ed. There are a few locations that may interest them, but most of them are already close to existing stores. ShopRite (independent owners) may acquire a few. They have a weak presence in the suburbs, but have a loyal following.
Weis would be interesting to see. They definitely have much better pricing than Genuardi's. The closest Weis to the Philadelphia-area is a lonely old store in Lansdale (Montgomery County..suburbs) that dates from the 70's. (How this store has survived all these years is puzzling...it is a good distance from Weis' main focus of the Lehigh Valley/more western PA). Lansdale was once home to a Genuardi's until a few years ago, and was the headquarters for Clemens (which Giant and SuperFresh bought out in 06). Weis used to have another store a few miles closer but it closed down in 2000, in a dead shopping center, for a new Lowe's. They are really the option for taking the majority of the stores...otherwise it may seem many of the stores will sit empty.
Quote from: JoshAustin610 on September 06, 2011, 10:59:02 PM
They could also do some relocating like they did with some of the former Lanecos, like move their Abington store to Roslyn to get it further away from Willow Grove, or move the Conshohocken store across the intersection. A few other towns like Springhouse and Jamison don't seem to have any really close competition, so they could probably work too (Maple Glen might be considered too close to the Horsham store though; same with Chalfont and the New Britain Giant).
Giant would love to get their hands on Chalfont. The New Britain store is very small and still decked out in Clemens old decor. They want to expand this store badly and add gas pumps, but the township is giving them issues. Which makes no sense since the center is huge and has many vacancies. If they do, it will greatly impact the Chalfont Acme.
Jamison..the store i'm most familiar with is actually fairly busy, and Genuardi's even remodeled the store a few years ago and added a Pharmacy (since then, Walgreens opened in the same center and a CVS is under construction down the road...too many pharmacies for a small town). Giant may work. It is close to their other stores, but they don't seem to have issue in doing that. This area is fairly well-off so really anything could work here.
That makes sense that Giant's looking to expand; everything to the left and right of the Rite Aid in that center is vacant, implying they're just waiting for Rite Aid to either close or relocate. I do remember reading about a Rite Aid in Chalfont that they apparently pulled out of; I wonder if that was supposed to be a relocation of that store. Looking at articles about the denial of the gas pumps, it seems the shopping center owners really want to placate Giant so they don't leave; I guess they must really have a reputation for being a company that will relocate if needed (look at Pottstown Plaza; that was a Giant that expanded and added gas pumps over the years, yet still moved across the highway anyway when a bigger center was built).
Supermarket News reports that Ahold's Giant Food banner is likely to take over several Genuardi's units
http://supermarketnews.com/retail_financial/giant_genuardis_deal_0929
This news comes a couple of weeks after news of co-founder Charles Genuardi's death at 102
http://best-met.com/news/charles-genuardi-patriarch-of-genuardis-family-markets-dies-at-age-102/
Quote from: retailisking on September 30, 2011, 01:39:47 PM
Supermarket News reports that Ahold's Giant Food banner is likely to take over several Genuardi's units
http://supermarketnews.com/retail_financial/giant_genuardis_deal_0929
Just came here to post this....will be interesting to see what stores they take over given there is a lot of Genuardi's/Giant overlap in many places. I wouldn't be surprised if they close or sell of the other stores real soon either.
Eagleville closes tomorrow upon expiration of their lease; rumor has it Bottom Dollar is interested in this location
http://www.timesherald.com/articles/2011/09/20/business/doc4e77e3ba22e9a516362102.txt
Phoenixville (Kimberton) is closing October 15
http://phoenixville.patch.com/articles/genaurdis-on-kimberton-road-to-close
This was announced today, and not much of a shock given the rumors and closings
going on in the last year. All Genuardi's stores (PA and the few in NJ) are
closing. 16 of the locations are becoming Giant (who already took over two
stores in a separate deal last year).
"The stores to be sold to Giant include those in Warwick, Newtown Township,
Middletown, New Britain Township, Lower Moreland and Upper Gwynedd. They and the
other stores â€" in West Chester, Marlborough, St. Davids, Springfield, Wynnewood,
Flourtown, Spring House, King of Prussia, Maple Glen and Roslyn â€" will become
Giant markets once the sale closes later this year.
Safeway said it will seek to sell eight stores, including Doylestown and
Evesham, N.J., to other buyers, and will close stores in Exton, Norristown and
Royersford."
Some of the stores are already in towns with an existing Giant, but Giant isn't
phased by operating stores so close together. They will likely convert them all,
wait a few years, and close a couple that do less business as they did when they
took over Clemens back in 2006.
Not really sure what is to come of the ones that they did not buy. I could see
Doylestown and a few others becoming a Whole Foods...the demographics would
definitely support it (this would have become a Giant too if they didn't already
buy up a former SuperFresh in the same town).
Safeway never even tried to be competitive in this market...using the same exact
sales flyers (prices and all) as their stores around D.C. and out west. Such a
shame that they ruined a once well-respected family owned chain. All I can say
is good riddance.
The Genuardi family must bear some blame for this outcome; nobody held a gun to their head and forced them to sell to Safeway. Anyway, it's a shame that a venerable banner will soon disappear from the scene. RIP Genuardi's. I wonder if Burkle will pick up one or more of the orphaned Genuardis...time will tell...
I saw Safeway brand spumoni ice cream at the Genuardi's in Eagleville during their closing sale a few months back. Actually looked like a quality product but I live 20 miles from there so I couldn't buy any. Strangely I checked the Genuardi's in Springfield close to home and they didn't have it. Over Christmas I was in Texas and stopped at the Randalls (also owned by Safeway) near where I USED to live, and they had tons of it! Personally I don't get why Randalls hasn't already ended up like Genuardi's. The Randalls I went to on my trip was a former Albertsons, but it replaced the "ancient" Randalls from the early 80's down the road when Safeway bought them. I couldn't believe this store at the end of 2011 still didn't have the "Lifestyle" look. Seems small for a Safeway-owned store too. They also have a full selection of beer and wine (this is Texas) but still can't sell spirits due to state law. I looked in a liquor store next door which had all kinds of booze, and their beer/wine prices were all lower than Randalls!
Take a tour of the changes Giant made to the interior of the Feasterville store over at Acme Style...
http://acmestyleblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/giant-feasterville-pa.html
Probably my favorite post you have done...of course I am biased cause I worked at the giant in feasterville for 4 months :) (I transferred to their philly grant ave location)
The nonunion grocer enters Bucks County and buys market share in Montgomery County
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/money/weis-markets-to-buy-doylestown-genuardi-s/article_5efe09b6-62ed-5feb-a916-7f69739244af.html
Quote from: retailisking on February 13, 2012, 02:20:53 PM
The nonunion grocer enters Bucks County and buys market share in Montgomery County
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/money/weis-markets-to-buy-doylestown-genuardi-s/article_5efe09b6-62ed-5feb-a916-7f69739244af.html
Genuardi's was never Union either, so they won't have any issues. Actually none of the chains in Genuardi's areas, except for Acme, some ShopRite's, and the (very) few remaining SuperFresh/Pathmark, are union. (This area has Wegmans, Redner's, and Giant, Bottom Dollar Food (Food Lion), and a few Super WalMart's....all being non-union).
I hope Weis makes it in this highly-competitive area. Some people around here do not really know Weis but have a perception of it being a "hick store", to not being impressed with the fresh/organic offerings (around here, people will generally pay more for healthy food. Weis has to have more than price going for it if they want to survive and please former Genuardi's customers)
Ah, thanks for pointing that out! I just assumed because it was Safeway that it was unionized. Bad assumption anyway since I already knew Giant-Carlisle was nonunion too although many other Ahold banners are union.
Here is the complete list of when these stores will close as Genuardi's and re-open as Giant [PA]:
Phase 1 stores close June 28 at 6 p.m. and re-open July 8 at 8 a.m.
•1375 Boot Road, West Chester
•737 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley
•2395 York Road, Jamison
•830 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square
•467 Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, PA
•Pharmacies will close at 6 p.m. on June 28 and will re-open at 1 p.m. on June 30
Phase 2 stores close July 5 at 6 p.m. and re-open July 15 at 8 a.m.
•50 E. Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA
•1121 Bethlehem Pike, Spring House
•950 Baltimore Pike, Springfield
•310 S. Henderson Pike, King of Prussia
•2350 Susquehanna Road, Roslyn
•Pharmacies will close at 6 p.m. July 5 and will re-open at 1 p.m. on July 7
Phase 3 stores close July 12 at 6 p.m. and re-open July 22 at 8 a.m.
•1844 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown
•1925 Norristown Road, Maple Glen
•168 N. Flowers Mill Road, Langhorne
•4275 County Line Road, Chalfont
•550 E. Lancaster Avenue, St. Davids
•Pharmacies will close at 6 p.m. July 12 and will re-open at 1 p.m. on July 14
As of 8/5/12, these will be the last 4
Genuardi's locations:
- Barnegat, NJ: 912 West Bay Avenue
- Egg Harbor Township, NJ: 3121 Fire Road (Opened 2001)
- Marlton, NJ: 710 Route 73 South (Opened 1998)
- Audubon, PA (Genuardi’s #04): 2850 Audubon Village Drive (Egypt & Pawlings Road) (Opened 11/2/1965. Closed 1995 and moved to other end of shopping center.)
Quote from: MikeRa on July 31, 2012, 06:36:23 PM
As of 8/5/12, these will be the last 4 Genuardi's locations:
- Barnegat, NJ: 912 West Bay Avenue
- Egg Harbor Township, NJ: 3121 Fire Road (Opened 2001)
- Marlton, NJ: 710 Route 73 South (Opened 1998)
- Audubon, PA (Genuardi’s #04): 2850 Audubon Village Drive (Egypt & Pawlings Road) (Opened 11/2/1965. Closed 1995 and moved to other end of shopping center.)
These stores will most likely be closed by the end of 2012, with either the stores being acquired by someone, or Safeway shutting them down
Egg Harbor and Barnegat are toast...notice in the main photo that they're using Safeway bags now...I wonder how much longer Marlton and Audubon will remain open...
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/eht/genuardi-s-in-egg-harbor-and-barnegat-townships-to-close/article_59086d0a-17a9-11e2-9ccc-0019bb2963f4.html
This remaining store is a Safeway in all but name; Marlton is said to be closing by the end of December, but there is no formal confirmation that I know of.
http://www.timesherald.com/article/20121101/FINANCE01/121039904/genuardi-s-supermarket-still-standing-in-audubon
The Cherry Hill, NJ Genuardi's reopened today as Whole Foods. Story here:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20140619_New_Whole_Foods_store_fills_a_shopping_void_in_Cherry_Hill.html
The Marlton, NJ Genuardi's reopened today as Rastelli Market Fresh. This is the second location for the chain, after operating a very successful location in nearby Deptford for many years.
This location also offers a full-service wine, beer and spirits selection, a rarity in New Jersey.
Story here:
http://www.nj.com/food/index.ssf/2014/07/new_rastelli_market_fresh_in_marlton_an_expansion_of_deptford_store.html#incart_more_entertainment
I'm saddened to report that the very last Genuardi's store still operating, in Audubon PA, is having a going out of business sale.
While Genuardi's technically disappeared almost 3 years ago, this sole location stayed open with the Genuardi's name outside all this time.
No formal announcement has been made of the actual closing date yet.
Two stores in Northern Delaware (North Wilmington and Glasgow) built as Genuardi's stores remain open, with the Safeway name on the outside.
Quote from: FitchMike26 on May 14, 2015, 11:01:52 PM
I'm saddened to report that the very last Genuardi's store still operating, in Audubon PA, is having a going out of business sale.
While Genuardi's technically disappeared almost 3 years ago, this sole location stayed open with the Genuardi's name outside all this time.
I was wondering how long that store was going to stick around for. I was hoping it would have stuck around a little longer through the Albertsons/Safeway merger, and maybe it would have reopened as an ACME.
The chances of it becoming an Acme were slim, since it's so close to the existing Acme in Trooper. I wonder if that's even why they're closing the store now as opposed to when the lease is actually up in 2016; so they're not competing with each other.
I highly doubt the Audubon location will ever become another grocery store, period.
Giant-Carlisle, Walmart Supercenter, Aldi, and ACME are all on the same road, a mile or two east.
Target P'fresh and BJ's Wholesale Club are on the same road, a mile west.
Wegmans is on a different road, two miles north.
And to round out the party, Redner's also operates a store a mile from the Wegmans.
http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2015/05/18/bucks_news/business/doc5557483652d6c248774570.txt?viewmode=2
Here's an article on the closing...there is a part that says they are leaving but 'there’s an opportunity to get another operator in here', but it's a pretty vague sentence coming from a Safeway higher-up. Maybe Weis would be interested in such a store to increase their market presence?
Nice to know all employees there were offered positions with Acme (or Safeway, but probably doesn't make sense unless employees want to commute to Delaware).
Quote from: store215 on May 18, 2015, 11:14:54 AM
http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2015/05/18/bucks_news/business/doc5557483652d6c248774570.txt?viewmode=2
Here's an article on the closing...there is a part that says they are leaving but 'there’s an opportunity to get another operator in here', but it's a pretty vague sentence coming from a Safeway higher-up. Maybe Weis would be interested in such a store to increase their market presence?
Nice to know all employees there were offered positions with Acme (or Safeway, but probably doesn't make sense unless employees want to commute to Delaware).
How is Weis doing? Is it family owned?
Quote from: JimSawhill on May 19, 2015, 06:00:34 PM
Quote from: store215 on May 18, 2015, 11:14:54 AM
http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2015/05/18/bucks_news/business/doc5557483652d6c248774570.txt?viewmode=2
Here's an article on the closing...there is a part that says they are leaving but 'there’s an opportunity to get another operator in here', but it's a pretty vague sentence coming from a Safeway higher-up. Maybe Weis would be interested in such a store to increase their market presence?
Nice to know all employees there were offered positions with Acme (or Safeway, but probably doesn't make sense unless employees want to commute to Delaware).
Weis seems to be doing fine, but only has a tiny handful of stores in Greater Philadelphia, sticking only to Montgomery County and Bucks County. They have an almost new flagship store in Huntingdon Valley that opened in the last year or two. It used to be a Super Fresh and later a Pathmark.
How is Weis doing? Is it family owned?
Quote from: Bobsketball on May 19, 2015, 06:08:26 PM
Quote from: JimSawhill on May 19, 2015, 06:00:34 PM
Quote from: store215 on May 18, 2015, 11:14:54 AM
http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2015/05/18/bucks_news/business/doc5557483652d6c248774570.txt?viewmode=2
Here's an article on the closing...there is a part that says they are leaving but 'there’s an opportunity to get another operator in here', but it's a pretty vague sentence coming from a Safeway higher-up. Maybe Weis would be interested in such a store to increase their market presence?
Nice to know all employees there were offered positions with Acme (or Safeway, but probably doesn't make sense unless employees want to commute to Delaware).
Weis seems to be doing fine, but only has a tiny handful of stores in Greater Philadelphia, sticking only to Montgomery County and Bucks County. They have an almost new flagship store in Huntingdon Valley that opened in the last year or two. It used to be a Super Fresh and later a Pathmark.
How is Weis doing? Is it family owned?
Thanks...for the info.
Quote from: FitchMike26 on July 21, 2014, 02:49:59 PM
The Marlton, NJ Genuardi's reopened today as Rastelli Market Fresh. This is the second location for the chain, after operating a very successful location in nearby Deptford for many years.
This location also offers a full-service wine, beer and spirits selection, a rarity in New Jersey.
Story here:
http://www.nj.com/food/index.ssf/2014/07/new_rastelli_market_fresh_in_marlton_an_expansion_of_deptford_store.html#incart_more_entertainment
Rastelli's only took up half of the store. A Marshall's took up the second half of the former Genuardi's store. Rastelli's didn't qualify as a small business through the American Express Small Business Saturday.
There are still vacant Genuardi's in Voorhees, Egg Harbor and Barnegat. I would have thought the Voorhees and Barnegat stores would eventually find new occupants by now.
Quote from: mixedday on July 10, 2015, 11:16:42 PM
Quote from: FitchMike26 on July 21, 2014, 02:49:59 PM
The Marlton, NJ Genuardi's reopened today as Rastelli Market Fresh. This is the second location for the chain, after operating a very successful location in nearby Deptford for many years.
This location also offers a full-service wine, beer and spirits selection, a rarity in New Jersey.
Story here:
http://www.nj.com/food/index.ssf/2014/07/new_rastelli_market_fresh_in_marlton_an_expansion_of_deptford_store.html#incart_more_entertainment
Rastelli's only took up half of the store. A Marshall's took up the second half of the former Genuardi's store. Rastelli's didn't qualify as a small business through the American Express Small Business Saturday.
There are still vacant Genuardi's in Voorhees, Egg Harbor and Barnegat. I would have thought the Voorhees and Barnegat stores would eventually find new occupants by now.
I'm surprised too.. what supermarkets are in those town?
By the way, welcome mixedday
Quote from: JimSawhill on July 11, 2015, 07:08:34 AM
Quote from: mixedday on July 10, 2015, 11:16:42 PM
Quote from: FitchMike26 on July 21, 2014, 02:49:59 PM
The Marlton, NJ Genuardi's reopened today as Rastelli Market Fresh. This is the second location for the chain, after operating a very successful location in nearby Deptford for many years.
This location also offers a full-service wine, beer and spirits selection, a rarity in New Jersey.
Story here:
http://www.nj.com/food/index.ssf/2014/07/new_rastelli_market_fresh_in_marlton_an_expansion_of_deptford_store.html#incart_more_entertainment
Rastelli's only took up half of the store. A Marshall's took up the second half of the former Genuardi's store. Rastelli's didn't qualify as a small business through the American Express Small Business Saturday.
There are still vacant Genuardi's in Voorhees, Egg Harbor and Barnegat. I would have thought the Voorhees and Barnegat stores would eventually find new occupants by now.
I'm surprised too.. what supermarkets are in those town?
By the way, welcome mixedday
Thank You.
As far as the Marlton site where it's now Rastelli's and Marshalls combination, I was originally surprised that Acme didn't pursue this site. Acme doesn't have a store in Marlton itself, and the nearest competition (a ShopRite) is off Route 70, a different highway, where there is a busy intersection that separates the areas. There is also a TJMaxx in Marlton, so this Marshall's doesn't add much new, but I digress. I would have preferred seeing a ToysRUs/BabiesRUs since the area lacks this entirely.
As far the the Voorhees site, Genuardi's closed this store a year or two prior to it'd decision to close the CH, Marlton and shore stores. I think when Target expanded their food selection across the Philly stores, it really hurt this store. A Target is directly across the street from this Genuardi's. This store remains empty as noted. The demographics are decent in the area as well, but it's not as prime of a location as the Marlton site or Cherry Hill site (which is now Whole Foods). There is an Acme and ShopRite not too far away from this former Genuardi's building. I'd think if Wal-Mart ever decides to do Neighborhood Markets in South Jersey, this could be a good location, or if Weis comes to South Jersey, or if another chain comes in. Aldi or Whole Foods might consider this location. One thing that I do not like is there a freestanding Dunkin Donuts building that obstructs the view of the grocery store. I think the plaza owner should end the Dunkin Donut lease or work with them for relocation elsewhere, and figure out how to fill the grocery site pad as that is much larger. This former Genuardi's site was actually once a Superfresh many years ago.
As for the Egg Harbor site, the Egg Harbor area is economically depressed. I'm not sure what could replace this site.
The Barneget area seems wealthier. This store seems its closer to residential areas and it falls in the southern part of the NY region area where Stop&Shop also competes. Probably the nearest ShopRite isn't too far away but it's not in immediate vicinity as far as I know. I'd like to revisit this area again maybe this summer.
It's too bad that A&P (through Superfresh or Pathmark banners) is a disaster and couldn't assume these better locations in general. It's also a shame that the parent owners of Acme is also not really in a mode for store growth unless it's merger oriented.
The Egg Harbor Township, NJ location has already been bought. Details here:
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/attention-shoppers-new-grocery-store-moving-into-old-genuardis-location/article_bcf8c14e-20e2-11e5-a0f2-07569dd885fe.html
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/new-egg-harbor-township-supermarket-offers-jobs/article_f2bc30ba-2400-11e5-91cb-b35fc7b4352a.html
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/jr-s-fresh-market-to-hire-up-to-people-open/article_b77daa18-242f-11e5-a34a-6bb32d064003.html
Quote from: FitchMike26 on July 11, 2015, 04:15:55 PM
The Egg Harbor Township, NJ location has already been bought. Details here:
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/attention-shoppers-new-grocery-store-moving-into-old-genuardis-location/article_bcf8c14e-20e2-11e5-a0f2-07569dd885fe.html
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/new-egg-harbor-township-supermarket-offers-jobs/article_f2bc30ba-2400-11e5-91cb-b35fc7b4352a.html
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/jr-s-fresh-market-to-hire-up-to-people-open/article_b77daa18-242f-11e5-a34a-6bb32d064003.html
I guess Egg Harbor was a one industry town -- In EH's case boatbuilding... My friend had an Egg Harbor boat....
Quote from: FitchMike26 on July 11, 2015, 04:15:55 PM
The Egg Harbor Township, NJ location has already been bought. Details here:
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/attention-shoppers-new-grocery-store-moving-into-old-genuardis-location/article_bcf8c14e-20e2-11e5-a0f2-07569dd885fe.html
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/new-egg-harbor-township-supermarket-offers-jobs/article_f2bc30ba-2400-11e5-91cb-b35fc7b4352a.html
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/jr-s-fresh-market-to-hire-up-to-people-open/article_b77daa18-242f-11e5-a34a-6bb32d064003.html
Well, I'm glad that a new operator will run this store and fill into Atlantic County as A&P (via Pathmark/Superfresh) might call it quits there. Genuardi's closed, but it's buildings and shopping centers that it left were in general good condition, unlike Kmart and A&P.
The very last Genuardi's to close, in Audubon PA, has now been replaced by a family owned market from Philadelphia. More info here:
http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/blog/real-estate/2016/02/kellers-family-genuardis-supermarket-audobon.html?ana=e_du_pub&u=cMkyj9sZiFcUmxSrZVs0Vg0468426e&t=1455656081
Quote from: mixedday on July 12, 2015, 08:50:55 PM
Quote from: FitchMike26 on July 11, 2015, 04:15:55 PM
The Egg Harbor Township, NJ location has already been bought. Details here:
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/attention-shoppers-new-grocery-store-moving-into-old-genuardis-location/article_bcf8c14e-20e2-11e5-a0f2-07569dd885fe.html
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/new-egg-harbor-township-supermarket-offers-jobs/article_f2bc30ba-2400-11e5-91cb-b35fc7b4352a.html
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/jr-s-fresh-market-to-hire-up-to-people-open/article_b77daa18-242f-11e5-a34a-6bb32d064003.html
Well, I'm glad that a new operator will run this store and fill into Atlantic County as A&P (via Pathmark/Superfresh) might call it quits there. Genuardi's closed, but it's buildings and shopping centers that it left were in general good condition, unlike Kmart and A&P.
I hope that new store is doing great. Anyone knows how it's doing?
I hope Keller's will be successful, too.
Quote from: FitchMike26 on July 11, 2015, 04:15:55 PM
The Egg Harbor Township, NJ location has already been bought. Details here:
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/attention-shoppers-new-grocery-store-moving-into-old-genuardis-location/article_bcf8c14e-20e2-11e5-a0f2-07569dd885fe.html
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/new-egg-harbor-township-supermarket-offers-jobs/article_f2bc30ba-2400-11e5-91cb-b35fc7b4352a.html
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/egg_harbor_township/jr-s-fresh-market-to-hire-up-to-people-open/article_b77daa18-242f-11e5-a34a-6bb32d064003.html
I had a chance to visit the Egg Harbor JR's Fresh Market. Inside, it seemed as if I was back in Genuardi's, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Most of the other Genuardi building takeovers have had more serious transformation, especially the Cherry Hill Whole Foods which doesn't have any resemblance to Genuardi's.
Maybe the owner Joe Rauh Jr. could open another store in the former Voorhees Twp. Genuardi's location, if Safeway/Acme chain would lease that building to it. An Acme however isn't too far away in Voorhees however. It's mentioned in the Press of AC article that he is from Williamstown which is somewhat halfway between Voorhees and Egg Harbor Twp.
It's somewhat interesting that Acme isn't running an Acme in the Genuardi's building in Egg Harbor Twp. but permitting JR Fresh Market to operate there. From acme.com, the nearest other Acmes are 5.6 miles in Somers Pt., and another one that is 8.5 miles in Mays Landing. Theoretically, an Acme could operate there, but at the time, it is subleasing the building to JR.
Quote from: mixedday on April 15, 2016, 12:35:57 PM
It's somewhat interesting that Acme isn't running an Acme in the Genuardi's building in Egg Harbor Twp. but permitting JR Fresh Market to operate there. From acme.com, the nearest other Acmes are 5.6 miles in Somers Pt., and another one that is 8.5 miles in Mays Landing. Theoretically, an Acme could operate there, but at the time, it is subleasing the building to JR.
I believe the agreement with JR'S was made before Safeway and Albertsons/Acme officially merged, so Safeway didn't really care who they leased it to at that time. But theoretically, yes, Safeway could choose not to renew their lease whenever it comes due and make it an ACME.
Quote from: store215 on April 18, 2016, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: mixedday on April 15, 2016, 12:35:57 PM
It's somewhat interesting that Acme isn't running an Acme in the Genuardi's building in Egg Harbor Twp. but permitting JR Fresh Market to operate there. From acme.com, the nearest other Acmes are 5.6 miles in Somers Pt., and another one that is 8.5 miles in Mays Landing. Theoretically, an Acme could operate there, but at the time, it is subleasing the building to JR.
I believe the agreement with JR'S was made before Safeway and Albertsons/Acme officially merged, so Safeway didn't really care who they leased it to at that time. But theoretically, yes, Safeway could choose not to renew their lease whenever it comes due and make it an ACME.
Who knows how long the lease is? Cold it be 5 years, 10 years, or 15 years?
Quote from: store215 on April 18, 2016, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: mixedday on April 15, 2016, 12:35:57 PM
It's somewhat interesting that Acme isn't running an Acme in the Genuardi's building in Egg Harbor Twp. but permitting JR Fresh Market to operate there. From acme.com, the nearest other Acmes are 5.6 miles in Somers Pt., and another one that is 8.5 miles in Mays Landing. Theoretically, an Acme could operate there, but at the time, it is subleasing the building to JR.
I believe the agreement with JR'S was made before Safeway and Albertsons/Acme officially merged, so Safeway didn't really care who they leased it to at that time. But theoretically, yes, Safeway could choose not to renew their lease whenever it comes due and make it an ACME.
A similar thing happened in West Caldwell, NJ; Stop & Shop had a store there that closed when they left NJ in 1980, so they rented out the space to Kings, a local upscale chain. When Stop & Shop returned to the state in 2000, they forced Kings out and opened a new, larger store on the same site.
Quote from: MikeRa on April 18, 2016, 08:29:46 PM
Quote from: store215 on April 18, 2016, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: mixedday on April 15, 2016, 12:35:57 PM
It's somewhat interesting that Acme isn't running an Acme in the Genuardi's building in Egg Harbor Twp. but permitting JR Fresh Market to operate there. From acme.com, the nearest other Acmes are 5.6 miles in Somers Pt., and another one that is 8.5 miles in Mays Landing. Theoretically, an Acme could operate there, but at the time, it is subleasing the building to JR.
I believe the agreement with JR'S was made before Safeway and Albertsons/Acme officially merged, so Safeway didn't really care who they leased it to at that time. But theoretically, yes, Safeway could choose not to renew their lease whenever it comes due and make it an ACME.
Who knows how long the lease is? Cold it be 5 years, 10 years, or 15 years?
I don't know the lease term, but I'd be surprised if Acme really wanted that location to put in an Acme. It's somewhat in a challenged area, and there is room for entry for competition, in a relative very nearby area. Plus, labor might also be an issue. Acme would also be in a situation where those employees might become Acme employees and it'd cost more for Acme.
There is a pretty large mostly vacant eyesore shopping center, Cardiff Center, nearby, with a vacant Pathmark and mostly garbage tenants:
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/business/contractor-repairing-cardiff-shopping-center/article_ba6f38c4-71b2-11e5-95d0-4f7c2af6fc37.html
If that site could be demolished, and then the Harbor Square (former Shore Mall) Frank Theatres movie theater would relocate there, that would create space at Harbor Square. Maybe for a Wegmans that would be adjacent to the Boscov's store that is there. I don't see Wegmans very interested in Cardiff Center, but I could see Wegmans working along side, with conducive traffic, with the Boscov's, and both would front the highway well. A Burlington Coat Factory store is also in operation in Harbor Square. Of course, that is pretty idealistic and visionary on my part that Wegmans would even have interest in Atlantic County, and that specific area, and assuming the movie theater could be moved across the street to the Cardiff Center to make room for Wegmans at the Harbor Square. More likely Aldi will come to Atlantic County first.
But it just seems that even if Acme opens at the former Genuardi's space, there is always a remote possibility that some new competition will come one day. Maybe it's better to continue to sublease the space to JR over longer periods.
Quote from: mixedday on April 15, 2016, 12:35:57 PM
There is a pretty large mostly vacant eyesore shopping center, Cardiff Center, nearby, with a vacant Pathmark and mostly garbage tenants:
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/business/contractor-repairing-cardiff-shopping-center/article_ba6f38c4-71b2-11e5-95d0-4f7c2af6fc37.html
If that site could be demolished, and then the Harbor Square (former Shore Mall) Frank Theatres movie theater would relocate there, that would create space at Harbor Square. Maybe for a Wegmans that would be adjacent to the Boscov's store that is there. I don't see Wegmans very interested in Cardiff Center, but I could see Wegmans working along side, with conducive traffic, with the Boscov's, and both would front the highway well.
I don't think Wegmans would ever open up in that area...the demographics they looks for (to be blunt, white, wealthy people) just aren't there...that whole area of South Jersey is a huge cesspool. I'm really surprised Genuardi's even made a go at it back in the day. A Wegmans could get a lot of traffic from people going to the shore in the summer, but that isn't enough to keep a diverse store like Wegmans operating.
Quote from: store215 on April 21, 2016, 10:51:43 PM
that whole area of South Jersey is a huge cesspool. I'm really surprised Genuardi's even made a go at it back in the day. A Wegmans could get a lot of traffic from people going to the shore in the summer, but that isn't enough to keep a diverse store like Wegmans operating.
I'm not sure about the area as a whole. It's challenged as I mentioned. Atlantic County does support a decently run Macy's in Hamilton Mall, and even destinational stores like the Apple Store in Caesars. There are the normal chains like Best Buy and Kohl's as well, that one might not see off of Route 130 in NJ.
Supermarket competition is a bit limited in Atlantic County. It's really limited to ShopRite vs. Acme there, and not much variety. Not even Aldi yet, which is somewhat surprising. Nearest Aldi is in Vineland, NJ.
Everything is spread out, and there are nice areas, and not so nice areas. Areas in Northern Delaware looks like a cesspool, good school district areas are limited (like in Atlantic County), but wealth is around to make several stores work there.
I had a chance to visit the area again today, and look at things closely. What is interesting is the sketchy or challenged area is just west of the Parkway bypass. It's particularly cesspool looking because of the old Cardiff Center, and another semi run down center also named Cardiff Plaza.
http://www.benbrooke.com/pdf/CardiffLeasingFlyer2013.pdf
It's sad that these two centers are in existance.
Just east of the Parkway bypass is where the Genuardi's (now JR Fresh Market) store was located, and the area get much nicer as one gets closer to US 9 and follows south towards Linwood. Linwood is a nice area in Atlantic County.
Also a correction to a previous post. There are two movie theaters in that area. One is the Frank Theatres Towne Stadium 16 which is West of the Parkway bypass, and other is the Frank Theatres in Tilton which is East of Parkway bypass. The two are are a mere two miles apart but are co-owned by Frank Theatres.
My thoughts:
1. Aldi could probably go into the Harbor Square (former Shore Mall). It's anchored by Boscov's and Burlington Coat Factory, and the former Value City space remains vacant, although a Halloween store temporarily uses this space. All three sites face the Black Horse Pike highway well and there is a traffic light into the plaza, which provides good access into the center. Aldi could assume the Value City space with some redevelopment done prior to going there.
2. Cardiff Center needs to be demolished. Any tenants that are there should be relocated out. Cardiff Plaza is sad enough as it is already, although it's actually healthier of the two.
Atlantic County does have stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Pier 1 Imports, Best Buy, and the like. Perhaps stores like Stein Mart and Buy Buy Baby could be lured into the area. I don't think the area is ready for Whole Foods or an upscale department store, but some more mid-range stores could work. Wegmans might not work in the Harbor Square area, and the Cardiff centers really need to be demolished before better usage can be even be considered most likely. I think a smaller sized Wegmans store like the one in Downingtown, PA might work somewhere in Atlantic County, but I'm not sure where. Maybe if Sears closes in Hamilton Mall, it could go there, although I'd prefer if JCPenney could upgrade to that anchor site, as it faces the highway and it's current anchor site doesn't and is the weakest positioned of the three anchors at that mall.
I thought the rundown Cardiff Plaza you mentioned was the one with the old Pathmark/Bradlees...but I see now that there is a whole second plaza that seems even worse than the Pathmark one. Wow-Goodwill, Aaron's, Save-A-Lot...that is a pretty bleak shopping center. This area used to be a pretty decent middle class suburb, with the mall and places like Genuardi's...even the Pathmark mall was OK after Bradlees closed, but on my last trip there, I saw that it has taken a nose-dive. In particular, the heroin is everywhere now. Atlantic and Cape May counties are second only to Camden when it comes to heroin in Jersey. You see junkies everywhere in Egg Harbor...young white kids. They live with their parents and grandparents and with the job situation in South Jersey, they don't have much to look forward to. It's sad and kinda ironic...during the 80's and 90's, white people fled from areas around Camden, Philly and Newark down to the shore to escape the urban problems and they ended up bringing them with them. Now the generation that fled is retiring and their kids have nothing to look forward to. To top it off, the cities they fled are now gentrifying and young people are starting to move back and invest there. But no one is investing in places like Egg Harbor, Neptune, Hazlet, Brick. These places are the new suburban slums.
The Cardiff Center (with vacant Pathmark) is still worse of the two. From that Press of AC article (5 posts up), I'm not sure why the roof is being fixed on a vacant Pathmark. The site should just be demolished.
Closer to the Cherry Hill area, in Maple Shade which is also a challenged area with a lot of run down motor lodges, CarMax bought the land from a site where a 2 star Quality Inn hotel was located. It's in the process of a opening a new location there. I think something like that needs to happen in Cardiff Center with CarMax or some big business deciding it wants the land, demolish and will build from ground up. It's actually in a good location from the perspective of highway access by being at the intersection of Garden State Parkway and Black Horse Pike. I don't how complicated it is though when there is a large existing center that is run down, only 10-20% occupied but has 4-5 tenants and the tenants are like Big Lots, Forman Mills - tenants that seem content sticking around in squalid/dilapidated shopping centers, and have leases. With CarMax replacing a Quality Inn, CarMax likely just approached the hotel owner that was willing to sell.
Brick still seems healthier than this area, atleast from the retail side. It has stores like Costco and Barnes&Noble, and several more. There is also greater density and more wealth to pull from in Brick and north.
Yeah that Pathmark Center probably has outlived its usefulness. I recall it is a U-shaped Center with the stores facing inward, which doesn't seem to be the way developers build these days...but probably the fact that it is so huge, and has so much available space is also part of the problem. There are only so many Rose's, Forman Mills, Ollie's, PriceRite's and C-class tenants to fill those centers, and it sounds like this neighboring Cardiff Plaza already has a few of them.
I have no clue about the demographics, but how about an ethnic operator like H-Mart or Western Beef? There was a completely blighted shopping center near New Brunswick that had 2 vacant anchors, and the place was transformed into a very successful Asian-themed strip mall. The place is booming and has really brought the whole area back.
It's true--Brick is faring better than the others I mentioned due to its proximity to good jobs in the north...but that area---Toms River and those mega-burbs--are not as booming as they once were. The heroin is also HUGE in these areas and property values are stagnant. Both the Brick A&P and Pathmark stores lay vacant, as well as a Foodtown and another Pathmark in Toms River. There is a lot of suburban blight...but you are right--they are nowhere near as bad as Egg Harbor.
Quote from: ValleyUnfair on April 27, 2016, 11:10:01 PM
they are nowhere near as bad as Egg Harbor.
Keep in mind there is a difference between Egg Harbor City, and Egg Harbor Twp. Egg Harbor City isn't a good place. Egg Harbor Twp. isn't great, but it's not a place to avoid atleast when it comes to shopping purposes.
This was from last year:
http://patch.com/new-jersey/princeton/100-most-dangerous-towns-new-jersey-0
Regarding this commercially zoned area, it's in Egg Harbor Twp., and Linwood isn't too far from this area and it's near the GS Parkway bypass.
While I think immediate area township/clientele has an effect here, I think the bigger problem is the land owners of these derelict shopping centers, particularly Cardiff Center. Hamilton Mall and the big box stores aren't too far west in the other direction, so it's just a stretch of area that is particularly challenged.