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What will replace these closed Stop & Shops in Monmouth and Ocean counties?

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What will replace these closed Stop & Shops in Monmouth and Ocean counties?

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In November, Stop & Shop shuttered three underperforming supermarkets in Monmouth and Ocean counties, leaving empty stores behind.

The three stores are at Lanes Mills Crossing shopping center on Route 9 in Howell, Bennetts Mills Plaza in Jackson and on Richmond Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach.

“Stop & Shop has evaluated its overall store portfolio and made the difficult decision to close underperforming stores to create a healthy base for the future growth of our brand,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, said in July.

No one wants to see empty stores, but what will replace them? One real estate industry executive says retailers are out there looking for space for stores. There’s not a lot of new construction, so retailers from specialty grocers to discount apparel sellers are moving in.

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There is “good demand” for retail space, said Matthew K. Harding, chief executive officer of Levin Management Corporation in North Plainfield.

“Most people think that there is so much sales online that brick and mortar retail is dying,” he said. “That is simply not the case. Post-COVID was the biggest test. As soon as they (customers) could get back out, they got back out to the store.”

Generally, landlords like to replace supermarkets with other food markets. There are grocers looking for space, including Sprouts Farmers Market, which opened a store in Aberdeen in June. Specialty or ethnic grocers, such as Asian markets, and discounters like Aldi are looking around for space, Harding said.

So let’s take a look at what may be in store for the vacant Stop & Shops in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

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Jackson

Brixmor Property Group, the owner of Bennetts Mills Plaza, said it is actively seeking to fill the 67,112-square-foot space.

“We are actively working to bring in a best-in-class operator that will meet the needs of the Jackson community,” a spokesperson said in a statement to What’s Going There. “Our goal is to create vibrant retail spaces that enhance the local economy and provide accessible, high-quality shopping options. We look forward to announcing the tenant’s name once the lease is finalized.”

In Middletown, Brixmor replaced a former ShopRite store at Middletown Plaza on Route 35 with home accessories retailer At Home, a move that started a revitalization at the center. It attracted Trader Joe’s to fill a vacant Walgreens, with other new tenants coming including Circus Wines, Beers and Sprits and Skechers.

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Howell

The departure of Stop & Shop leaves a 66,441-square-foot vacant store at Lanes Mill Marketplace, which is anchored by Target and Lowe’s.

Reports say that a kosher supermarket will take over the space. Moisha’s Supermarket, a grocer based in Brooklyn, is set to move into the store, according to the website Matzav.com.

A representative of Moisha’s could not be reached for more information. No official paperwork has been filed with the township yet.

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Point Pleasant Beach

The departure of Stop & Shop has left a vacant supermarket building close to the center of downtown Point Pleasant Beach. So far, a replacement hasn’t been found.

“They are working on bringing in another grocer,” said Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Doug Vitale of his talks with the building’s owner. “They haven’t identified one yet.”

The Stop & Shop was a mainstay for the borough’s senior population and summer residents. “They heavily relied on Stop & Shop,” Vitale said.

The store, at 505 Richmond Ave., was formerly a Foodtown store until Stop & Shop took it over from Norkus Enterprises, which still owns the building. “We are talking with other food retailers,” said Gerald Norkus, who declined to comment further.

David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business, retail, real estate and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for 27 years. He writes APP.com’s What’s Going There column and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Please sign up for his weekly newsletter and join his What’s Going There page on Facebook for updates.

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