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ShopRite is an American retailers' cooperative of supermarkets with stores in six Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Key Information

Based in Keasbey, New Jersey, ShopRite consists of 50 individually owned and operated affiliates with over 300 stores, all under its corporate and distribution arm, Wakefern Food Corporation. Wakefern itself owns and operates 28 of the locations through subsidiary ShopRite Supermarkets.[2] Several Wakefern members own and operate single ShopRite stores, while most own multiple locations. The average Wakefern member operates six stores. The Saker family owns and operates the most ShopRite stores in the cooperative (40) throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and Mercer counties in New Jersey.

ShopRite has been the largest food retailer in New Jersey for close to 70 years and is also number one in the entire New York metropolitan area. Since 2011, ShopRite is also the largest retailer of food in Greater Philadelphia, pushing long-dominant Acme Markets to second place and, in 2013, to third place.[3] As of 2011, Wakefern was ranked 17th by sales among all supermarket operators in the United States.[4] In a 2022 survey by Newsweek, ShopRite was named the "Most Trusted Grocery Retailer" in the Northeast.[5]

History

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Early beginnings

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1951–1974 ShopRite logo

ShopRite originated in 1946, when a Del Monte Foods sales representative talked to independent grocers in Newark, New Jersey. The grocers were having problems getting reasonable prices for wholesale goods. The Del Monte representative suggested the grocers try cooperative buying. Seven of the grocers agreed, paying $1,000 each to launch Wakefern Food Corp., which was incorporated on December 5, 1946. In 1951, the company had reincorporated in New Jersey using the trademark name ShopRite in an effort to consolidate the marketing of involved stores under one name.[6]

In 1958, ShopRite cut prices by 10% as an alternative to giving away trading stamps, which other supermarkets in New Jersey were doing. The move was successful, drawing customers and helping create more ShopRite stores. By 1961, ShopRite had 70 members, totaling $100 million in annual sales.

The breakaway of Supermarkets General

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1974–2002 ShopRite logo

One large member, Supermarkets General, pulled out of Wakefern in the late 1960s, halving the number of stores. The Supermarkets General stores became Pathmark in 1968. The surviving Wakefern members increased their efforts, adopting the management tenet of "one member, one vote," and actively expanded. By the late 1970s, the volume lost from Supermarkets General's departure was restored.

For many years, ShopRite and Pathmark were extremely competitive on price in the New York Metro area, and each one had its loyal customer base. A highly leveraged management buy-out in the late 1980s left Pathmark saddled with too much debt, and the supermarket chain had no cash to fix up its stores, or invest in lower prices. At the same time, ShopRite stores were being replaced and rebuilt, stealing market share away from Pathmark. On November 23, 2000, Big V Supermarkets, which operated 39 ShopRite stores in New Jersey and New York, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced that several ShopRite stores would close.[7]

The Pathmark chain was sold to A&P in 2007. A&P ran Pathmark as a division, but was unsuccessful in turning around the banner's fortunes. A&P filed for bankruptcy and sold or liquidated its stores in 2015, including approximately 150 Pathmark stores. Wakefern and its cooperative members acquired nine Pathmark locations along with several other former A&P banners with the intention of opening ShopRite, Price Rite and The Fresh Grocer locations.

The "Can-Can Sale"

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ShopRite location in Rochelle Park, New Jersey, owned by Glass Gardens

In 1971, ShopRite introduced their Can-Can Sale, where canned goods (and eventually other products) were placed on steep discounts, and is held in January. Until the early 1990s, the sale was held in the second and third weeks of January but expanded to the entire month. Animated commercials for this promotion feature a chorus line of cancan dancers and a French artiste, though the style changed on several occasions over the years. In 2002, ShopRite expanded that sale to twice a year when they introduced the Summer Can-Can Sale, held in July.[8]

In 2018, the Summer Can-Can Sale was discontinued, replaced with the "Can It Get Any Hotter?" sale, which itself was discontinued in 2023.

Price Plus Club and beyond

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In 1989, ShopRite introduced the Price Plus Club Card, which eventually merged with the Check Cashing Card (for those that use it for that purpose as well); it is free of charge to acquire. Having a Price Plus Card enables shoppers to receive special weekly discounts, listed in circulars mailed with local newspapers. Most sales are chain-wide regardless of owner but sometimes in a particular region, valid for all area ShopRites, however some stores choose to put special items on sale based on stock. The Price Plus Card also tracks purchases and use of rewards.[9]

In 1996, ShopRite launched its own line (with Dietz & Watson) of deli meats, cheeses and complements with its private label, Black Bear of the Black Forest, to compete against the expansion of Boar's Head in competitor's supermarkets. In 2011, over 15 million pounds of Black Bear slicing meats and cheeses were sold at ShopRite.[citation needed]

Since 1999, ShopRite has offered an online grocery shopping service at select stores, under the service name Order. Pickup. Deliver. (formerly ShopRite from Home until April 2022.) For an additional fee, customers can place an order for pickup or delivery through the ShopRite website or mobile app, ShopRite employees then fulfill a customer's shopping order at a local ShopRite with options for curbside pickup.

Store design

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ShopRite location in West Caldwell, New Jersey, owned by Sunrise ShopRite

As a result of the cooperative system, there is no set format for building architecture, store layout, or color scheme of storefronts. Most stores are the product of the era in which they were opened, and the owner's style. For example, the ShopRite of West Caldwell, New Jersey, owned by Sunrise ShopRite, has a Japanese motif inside and outside of the store (including rickshaws, an exit sign reading "Sayonara" and two Japanese-style phone booths). The RoNetco family of stores (Netcong, Byram, Newton, Franklin, Sparta, Flanders, Mansfield, Sussex, and Succasunna, New Jersey) have different looks on the outside (including the shopping carts and cart corrals), although the stores themselves have a similar layout. ShopRite stores that were previously other stores usually contain elements of the previous occupants. As large corporations buy up stores, recent years have brought a homogenization in building design and store layout.

Current system

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As of 2024, ShopRite's base stretches northeast from the Washington metropolitan area in Maryland to the Hartford area in Connecticut, extending as far north as Hudson, New York. While New Jersey is home to the most ShopRite stores, the chain also has a strong presence in the New York City suburbs, and in Pennsylvania (mostly in the Philadelphia area). In 2010, ShopRite expanded its presence in Connecticut through the purchase of 11 former Shaw's stores.[10]

In 2011–2013, ShopRite returned to the New York Capital District after exiting the market 23 years earlier. The SRS operating division opened stores in Niskayuna, Albany, Slingerlands, Colonie and North Greenbush. The Albany store opened on April 26, 2012; the Slingerlands store opened on September 30, 2012; and the Colonie store opened on April 7, 2013. The most recent addition was the North Greenbush location, which opened in December 2017. ShopRite currently has gas stations at the Albany and Colonie locations. Plans for additional future store locations had not been announced in late 2010.[11] In 2013, ShopRite was the only unionized supermarket in the area.[12] In October 2023, ShopRite announced that it would be closing all five of its Capital Region, NY stores due to "underperforming sales", marking this the second time they exited the market. All five stores in the region closed on November 18, 2023.

On July 20, 2015, competitor A&P filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced plans to close or sell off all of its stores. ShopRite acquired 13 supermarkets in A&P's bankruptcy auction, including some that had been ShopRite locations before Supermarkets General (later acquired by A&P) broke off from the cooperative.

On January 26, 2021, ShopRite announced that it would close 62 pharmacies in its stores.[13]

Other chains and concepts

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Price Rite

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Main article: PriceRite
Price Rite

Wakefern also manages its wholly owned subsidiary, Price Rite, which is a limited-assortment chain of stores found only in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Rhode Island. As of April 2018, there are currently 66 Price Rite stores; 63 of those are owned outright by Wakefern.

Price Rite in New Jersey

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The Price Rite stores in New Jersey are operated individually by Wakefern's cooperative members; in 2014, Wakefern announced that the Price Rite banner would be made available to all of those members, so they can open and operate their own outlets. The North Jersey locations, in Garfield and Paterson, are operated by Inserra Supermarkets, while the South Jersey location (in Camden) was operated by the Ravitz Family, but closed in 2021.

Price Rite Warehouse Clubs (defunct)

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The Price Rite name was first used in the early 1990s on Wakefern's failed warehouse club concept stores.

ShopRite Garden Center (defunct)

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For many years, Foodarama operated a very small ShopRite Garden Center on Route 130 in East Windsor, New Jersey. In 2004, with the construction of a massive Home Depot directly adjacent to the small store, a decision was made to close the store and Foodarama moved its garden center operations into a 55,000-square-foot (5,100 m2) former Frank's Nursery & Crafts store. The store had operated as a Franks location for four years before the company was liquidated, and the large building combined 23,000 sq ft (2,100 m2) of interior selling space with 32,000 sq ft (3,000 m2) of covered outside selling area, for a total of 55,000 sq ft (5,100 m2).[14] The ShopRite Garden Center closed in 2008.

ShopRite Wines & Spirits

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ShopRiteDelivers.com

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In December 2013, Wakefern launched the ShopRiteDelivers.com website to expand their digital footprint outside of their traditional markets in the Northeast. The website, focused on electronics, bulk-order baby-care, specialty foods, and health and beauty, has been well received,[15] and has shipped orders to customers in all 50 states.[16] In April 2021, the concept of ShopRiteDelivers was discontinued, with the site now only selling ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer gift cards.

The Fresh Grocer

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Main article: The Fresh Grocer

Wakefern acquired the trademarks of this supermarket chain, which operates primarily in the Philadelphia area when its former owner, Pat Burns, joined the cooperative as its 50th member in August 2013.[17] At the time, the chain had eight stores: five in Philadelphia, one in suburban Upper Darby, one in Wilmington, Delaware, and one in New Brunswick, N.J. The Upper Darby store became a ShopRite, and the New Brunswick and Southwest Philadelphia stores have since closed. The Fresh Grocer stores are smaller than modern ShopRite stores and place a greater emphasis on fresh and organic foods, upscale specialty items and extensive prepared-foods offerings than regular ShopRite stores, giving Wakefern and its members a format that can work in smaller urban locations.[18] Wakefern executives were also quoted in the press as saying that as several The Fresh Grocer stores are located near college campuses, the chain would give Wakefern "new insight into the next generation of consumers" and enable it to reach new customers.[19]

Naming rights

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ShopRite is the title sponsor for the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

ShopRite

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
ShopRite is an American retailers' cooperative of supermarkets operating primarily in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States, functioning as the flagship banner for member-owned stores under the Wakefern Food Corporation. As the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the country, Wakefern comprises 45 independent member companies that collectively own and operate the stores, emphasizing local ownership and community focus. The cooperative traces its origins to 1946, when eight independent grocers in formed Wakefern Food Corp. to pool resources for mutual benefit amid post-World War II challenges. The ShopRite name was officially adopted in 1951, marking the beginning of its expansion as a unified offering groceries, fresh , services, and household essentials. By 2025, ShopRite has grown to encompass 313 locations across six states—Connecticut, , , , New York, and —with a strong presence in , where it holds the largest among grocery chains. ShopRite distinguishes itself through initiatives like its award-winning private-label brands, such as Bowl & Basket for everyday foods and Wholesome Pantry for organic and natural products, alongside a commitment to , including food donation programs that divert thousands of tons of annually. The chain has earned recognition as the "Most Trusted Conventional Grocery Store in the Northeast" multiple times, reflecting its emphasis on affordability, quality perishables, and customer loyalty programs. In fiscal year 2025, Wakefern reported retail sales of $20.7 billion, underscoring ShopRite's role in driving growth through new store openings and renovations.

History

Founding and early expansion

ShopRite originated in 1946 when eight independent grocers in , formed a voluntary retail known as to better compete with larger chain supermarkets that were dominating the market. This idea was sparked by a sales representative who introduced the grocers to the concept of buying. These founding members, facing increasing pressure from national chains, pooled resources by each investing $1,000 to establish shared and operational support, marking the beginning of a member-owned model focused on independence and cost efficiency. This structure allowed the grocers to negotiate better terms with suppliers and maintain local control over their stores while benefiting from . In 1951, the cooperative adopted the unified ShopRite brand name to enhance recognition and competitiveness, transitioning from individual store advertising to a cohesive identity under Wakefern. This branding initiative coincided with the opening of early ShopRite supermarkets across , starting with locations in urban areas like Newark and expanding to suburban sites as membership grew. By the mid-1950s, the network had solidified its presence in the state, with stores emphasizing affordable pricing and fresh produce to attract working-class families. To support this growth, Wakefern initially operated from a small 1,000-square-foot storefront warehouse in Newark in 1946, which was expanded to 15,000 square feet in Port Newark by 1949. The cooperative built its first large warehouse in , in 1953, centralizing inventory management for groceries and enabling more efficient deliveries to member stores. This facility, later expanded in the , was pivotal in scaling operations. By the 1960s, ShopRite began gradual expansion into New York, with initial stores opening in areas like Rockland and Westchester counties, extending the cooperative's footprint beyond while adhering to its regional focus.

Key challenges and reorganizations

In the late , Supermarkets General Corporation, a major member of the cooperative, departed in 1968 amid internal tensions, taking with it a significant portion of the group's buying power and halving the number of affiliated ShopRite stores overnight. The split stemmed from disagreements over and operational autonomy, as Supermarkets General sought greater independence to pursue its own expansion and pricing strategies, ultimately rebranding its approximately 90 stores as . This breakaway severely strained Wakefern's resources, prompting a fierce internal battle for control in the ensuing years, including litigation over stock ownership that resulted in a redistribution of shares to implement a "one-member, one-vote" system, thereby equalizing influence among remaining operators regardless of store count. The 1970s aftermath saw Wakefern implement safeguards, such as agreements mandating minimum product purchases from the cooperative and penalties for potential departures, to prevent further fragmentation and restore stability. By the 1980s, these efforts were tested by legal challenges, including the 1986 antitrust lawsuit Gregory Marketing Corp. v. Wakefern Food Corp., where a food broker alleged that Wakefern's exclusive pricing agreement with a produce supplier constituted illegal price discrimination under federal antitrust laws, potentially harming competition by favoring the cooperative's members. The case, which reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, highlighted vulnerabilities in the cooperative's supplier relationships and led to reforms clarifying pricing policies and enhancing compliance with antitrust regulations to protect operator independence while bolstering central oversight. A pivotal reorganization occurred in 1993 following an attempt by member Consolidated Supermarkets, Inc., to sell four ShopRite stores to rival , which Wakefern blocked through legal action to safeguard the 's integrity. This incident prompted structural changes that strengthened Wakefern's central authority over brand usage and store transfers, including tighter by-laws on membership obligations, while preserving the autonomy of individual operators in daily management. These reforms helped mitigate risks from member exits and reinforced the model. The cumulative impact of these challenges reduced ShopRite's network to approximately 100 locations by the early , a stabilization achieved through targeted expansions and member commitments that laid the foundation for later growth.

Major promotional innovations

One of ShopRite's most enduring promotional innovations was the introduction of the in January 1971, a high-low featuring dramatic weekly specials on canned goods and other staples to attract price-sensitive shoppers during a period of national economic uncertainty. This event marked the chain's first comprehensive 360-degree and campaign, complete with a catchy Moulin Rouge-inspired and television advertisements that emphasized deep discounts, helping to boost foot traffic and sales in an era of and . The promotion's success led to its annual recurrence, evolving into a cultural staple that reinforced ShopRite's reputation for value-driven bargains. In the late 1970s, ShopRite launched the Price Plus program, an early loyalty initiative that provided members with additional savings beyond everyday low prices, including targeted discounts and coupons based on purchase history. By 1989, this evolved into the formalized Price Plus Club Card, which tracked purchases to offer personalized rewards and further integrated loyalty into the shopping experience, setting a precedent for customer retention in competitive markets. The program emphasized "price plus quality," allowing ShopRite to differentiate itself by combining affordability with perceived premium features like fresh produce guarantees. ShopRite's development began in the mid-1950s with its signature ShopRite brand, but saw significant evolution in the 1980s and 1990s as the chain expanded its offerings to include value-oriented alternatives to national brands, enhancing margins and customer loyalty. This progression continued into organics, with the introduction of organic items in 1999 and the launch of the Wholesome Pantry line in 2016, providing affordable, clean-label products free from artificial additives to meet growing demand for healthier options. These innovations played a key role in ShopRite's market share gains against rivals like during the economic downturns of the 1970s and 1980s, as closed nearly 800 stores between 1972 and 1974 amid recessionary pressures and operational challenges, while ShopRite's targeted promotions and cooperative model enabled steady expansion in the Northeast. By adapting to consumer needs for value and variety, ShopRite solidified its dominance in and surrounding areas, outpacing national chains weakened by the era's inflation and competition.

Recent growth and adaptations

In the , ShopRite continued its regional expansion by strengthening its footprint in , where it had established an early presence through family-owned affiliates, and by entering new markets like in the early . In , the acquired several stores in , more than doubling its presence there and opening locations such as the ShopRite of Glen Burnie and ShopRite of Timonium. This growth contributed to ShopRite operating over 300 stores across six states by 2025. To support ongoing expansion, ShopRite affiliates pursued strategic acquisitions of smaller chains, including the 2015 purchase of the historic Dearborn Market in Holmdel, , by the Saker family, which operates multiple ShopRite locations. During the in 2020-2021, ShopRite implemented enhanced sanitation protocols across its stores, including rigorous cleaning and disinfecting guidelines for high-touch surfaces, food contact areas, and shopping carts, alongside plexiglass barriers at registers and measures. Adapting to evolving consumer preferences, ShopRite introduced its ShopRite from Home online ordering service in , enabling customers in select markets like the to shop digitally and opt for in-store pickup or delivery. The service integrated curbside pickup options, which gained prominence during the , allowing contactless order retrieval directly from parking lots. By fiscal 2025, these adaptations supported robust performance, with retail sales reaching $20.7 billion—a 3.1% increase from the prior year—and the opening of three new ShopRite stores.

Corporate structure

Wakefern Food Corporation

Wakefern Food Corporation was founded on December 5, 1946, by eight independent grocers from Newark, New Jersey, who pooled their resources—each investing $1,000—to enable bulk purchasing and compete effectively with emerging chain supermarkets in the post-World War II era. This cooperative structure positioned Wakefern as the central buying and distribution arm for its member operators, primarily under the ShopRite banner, facilitating shared procurement to achieve economies of scale. Headquartered at 5000 Riverside Drive in Keasbey, New Jersey, Wakefern oversees operations from this central location while maintaining multiple distribution centers across the Northeast to support efficient logistics for its network. These facilities, including sites in locations such as Newark and West Deptford, New Jersey, handle the warehousing and transportation of goods to member stores. Wakefern is wholly owned by its member companies, which are independent family-owned businesses operating ShopRite and affiliated supermarkets; as of 2025, it comprises 45 such members who collectively manage more than 380 stores across nine states. In October 2025, Wakefern completed the acquisition of the 17-store chain in the metropolitan area, further expanding its network. The corporation handles key functions including procurement of merchandise, logistics and supply chain management, and coordinated marketing efforts to support these operators without direct store ownership. As of the 2025 annual shareholders' meeting, Wakefern's leadership includes President Mike Stigers, who assumed the role in June 2023 and continues to guide strategic initiatives. The , elected by shareholders, is chaired by Sean McMenamin, with Dominick J. Romano as vice chairman and Marshall Klein as treasurer; other members include Joseph Colalillo, , Thomas Cingari, Geoffrey Eickhoff, Harry Garafalo, Jon Greenfield, Lawrence Inserra Jr., and Patrick Burns.

Cooperative ownership model

ShopRite operates as a retailer-owned under the umbrella of , distinguishing it from conventional corporate chains. In this model, individual supermarkets are owned and operated by independent families or groups, each functioning as a member company and in Wakefern. These 45 member entities collectively own the , pooling resources for wholesale purchasing, distribution, marketing, and private-label development while retaining operational autonomy over their stores. This structure empowers local operators to make day-to-day decisions tailored to their communities, fostering a of and responsiveness. A key feature of the cooperative is its democratic , where member shareholders vote on major decisions, including the election of Wakefern's via rights proportional to their equity. This ensures that strategic directions, such as expansion policies or supplier contracts, reflect the collective input of operators rather than top-down mandates. The profit-sharing mechanism further aligns incentives: Wakefern distributes dividends—representing a share of substantially all earnings—back to members based on their volume of purchases from the cooperative. These dividends effectively reduce members' , promoting loyalty and encouraging higher purchasing volumes to maximize returns. Unlike franchise models, where operators pay ongoing royalty fees to a central franchisor for brand usage and support, ShopRite's eliminates such fees, as members collectively own the brand and share in its benefits. However, to ensure consistency, members must adhere strictly to ShopRite's operational standards, including , guidelines, and quality controls, enforced through Wakefern's oversight. The structure has evolved over decades to balance this central coordination—handling and —with operator , allowing the to adapt to competitive pressures while preserving the ethos that drives local performance.

Operations

Store network and locations

ShopRite operates approximately 313 supermarkets across six states in the : , , , , New York, and . This network positions the chain as a regional powerhouse, with a focus on densely populated areas to serve diverse communities efficiently. The majority of ShopRite's stores are concentrated in , its core market, where it maintains over 180 locations catering to both urban and suburban customers through varied store formats tailored to local demographics and shopping preferences. This heavy presence in underscores the chain's dominance in the state, where it leads in among traditional , capturing a significant portion of grocery sales as evidenced by industry analyses from 2024. In fiscal year 2025, ShopRite expanded its footprint by opening three new stores operated by members, including locations in New York such as and . In October 2025, the acquired 17 upscale stores from competitor in the , which bolstered its urban presence. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to grow in key markets while adapting to competitive pressures.

Financial performance

Wakefern Food Corporation, the wholesaling arm for ShopRite supermarkets, operates on a ending September 30. In fiscal 2025, the achieved retail sales of $20.7 billion, marking a 3.1% increase from $20.1 billion in fiscal 2024. This growth reflects steady demand in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, supported by the opening of three new ShopRite stores during the year. Wholesale sales to member operators totaled approximately $22 billion in fiscal 2025, bolstered by strong performance in private label products, which accounted for 20% of overall sales and contributed to sustained profitability margins. Key growth drivers included a 15% year-over-year increase in sales, driven by expanded online ordering and delivery options across ShopRite banners. The demonstrated resilience amid inflationary pressures, posting annual sales increases of 2-3% since fiscal 2020. This performance underscores Wakefern's focus on value pricing and in a competitive market.

Store design and services

Typical ShopRite stores range in size from approximately 67,000 to 90,000 square feet, with an average of about 75,000 square feet, allowing for expansive layouts that prioritize customer flow and product visibility. These designs often feature open floor plans with wide aisles to facilitate easy navigation, particularly in high-traffic areas like produce sections, which are prominently placed near the entrance to emphasize fresh foods and encourage impulse purchases. In-store services enhance the shopping experience across most locations, including pharmacies, which operate in approximately 147 stores following a 2021 consolidation that closed 62 underperforming units while maintaining a strong presence in the remaining network. Floral departments offer fresh arrangements and custom designs, often positioned near the entrance alongside sections that provide in-house baked goods like breads and pastries. Deli counters feature prepared foods, hot meals, and specialty items, supporting both grab-and-go convenience and full-service options in a majority of supermarkets. Sustainability initiatives have been integrated into store operations since the , with many locations adopting LED lighting to replace fluorescent bulbs, significantly reducing . Energy-efficient systems, including natural refrigerants, are increasingly used to lower and operational costs, meeting standards like EPA GreenChill in select stores. Additionally, solar panels have been installed on rooftops at various sites since 2010, generating and cutting carbon emissions—for instance, one early system offset 200 tons of CO2 annually. Stores adhere to ADA compliance standards for physical , including ramps, wide doorways, and designated parking, ensuring usability for customers with disabilities. In diverse communities, and services incorporate multilingual elements, such as Spanish translations, to better serve non-English speakers, aligning with the chain's focus on inclusive retail environments. Digital services, like online ordering integrated with in-store pickup, complement these features for enhanced convenience.

Affiliated brands and concepts

PriceRite Marketplace

PriceRite Marketplace is a discount chain owned by , operating as a to ShopRite and focusing on budget-conscious consumers through a limited-assortment format. Launched in 1995 with its first store in , the chain was established to provide affordable grocery options in underserved markets, initially targeting price-sensitive shoppers with a no-frills shopping experience. By 2025, it had grown to 53 locations across nine states, including , , , , , , New York, , and . Recent developments include the opening of a new store in , on October 1, 2025, and the closure of the Henrietta, New York, store on November 15, 2025. The brand emphasizes everyday low pricing, stocking a curated selection of high-turnover essentials, name-brand items, and Wakefern's private labels such as Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry. Stores adopt a streamlined, no-frills design to minimize overhead, typically spanning 20,000 to 35,000 square feet—significantly smaller than the average 65,000-square-foot ShopRite supermarket—with basic layouts, exposed ceilings, and efficient shelving to prioritize value over amenities. This approach distinguishes PriceRite from the full-service, feature-rich ShopRite model, appealing to urban and lower-income communities seeking quick, economical shopping without extras like in-store delis or extensive non-food sections. Expansion efforts in the 2010s extended the chain into new regions, including with pilot reimagined stores in 2018 and deeper penetration in through store refreshes and openings in cities like Bridgeport and Waterbury. In , adaptations include smaller urban formats tailored to dense neighborhoods, such as the compact location in Paterson, enabling access in space-constrained areas while upholding the discount ethos. A short-lived variant, PriceRite Warehouse Clubs, operated as a three-store experiment in the early by affiliates like Supermarkets but was discontinued by the mid- due to shifting market dynamics. Like ShopRite, PriceRite benefits from Wakefern's cooperative structure, leveraging shared distribution for cost efficiencies.

The Fresh Grocer

The Fresh Grocer is an upscale banner operated as part of the , specializing in premium grocery offerings for urban and suburban markets. Originally founded in 1996 as an independent chain in the area, it joined Wakefern in 2013 as the cooperative's 50th member, enabling access to shared resources while maintaining its focus on high-quality perishables. The brand emphasizes organic, local, and products, featuring expansive fresh departments that include from-scratch bakeries, full-service and counters, and in-store cafes offering restaurant-quality prepared meals. Stores prioritize produce sourced from regional farms in and New York during peak seasons, alongside a wide selection of international and specialty items to appeal to diverse, affluent customers. This positioning differentiates it within the as a premium alternative, with larger fresh food sections comprising a significant portion of the shopping experience. Typical The Fresh Grocer locations range from 21,000 to 31,000 square feet, designed with modern aesthetics including open layouts, high-end fixtures, and sustainable elements to create an inviting environment for shoppers seeking quality over volume. As of 2025, the chain operates approximately 23 stores primarily in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, , , and recently expanded into New York, with a new 21,000-square-foot store planned for Brooklyn's Albee Square in late 2025. Operators of The Fresh Grocer stores benefit from integration into the Wakefern cooperative, leveraging the organization's centralized for efficient sourcing of fresh and gourmet items, which supports competitive pricing and product availability without compromising the banner's upscale identity. This model has facilitated recent growth, including the addition of independent operators like Nicholas Markets in 2019 and Gerrity's Supermarkets in 2022, enhancing the network's presence in key markets.

Other specialized formats

ShopRite Wines & Spirits consists of standalone liquor stores operated by affiliates in select markets, primarily in . These stores provide a range of wines, spirits, and beers, including craft selections, without requiring club cards or membership fees. Locations include , Byram, Caldwell, Cherry Hill, and several others across the state. ShopRiteDelivers.com represents an online grocery delivery platform introduced in the to enhance accessibility in urban areas. The service partners with to enable same-day delivery from participating ShopRite stores, supporting features like AI-powered smart carts in select Philadelphia-area locations for efficient order fulfillment. Among defunct formats, the ShopRite Garden Center offered seasonal plants and related items but ceased operations in the . Early warehouse club concepts under the PriceRite banner, launched in the early 1990s by affiliates like Supermarkets, aimed to compete with national chains but proved unsuccessful and were converted to standard supermarkets. Current niche offerings include services integrated into stores, with over 147 locations providing prescription refills, , and health consultations. Additionally, express formats such as the Fresh to Table concept feature grab-and-go ready-to-eat meals, prep-and-eat ingredients, and heat-and-eat options in high-traffic stores like those in and , available for in-store purchase or online ordering via the Order Express app.

Marketing and customer programs

Loyalty and pricing strategies

ShopRite's primary , the Price Plus Club, is a free membership initiative that provides customers with instant in-store discounts on select items, access to personalized digital coupons, and exclusive promotions. Launched in 1989, the program has evolved significantly toward digital integration, with the introduction of a in the mid-2010s enabling features such as clipping digital coupons, viewing weekly circulars, creating lists, and scheduling pickup or delivery orders. Since 2015, ShopRite has rolled out digital coupon promotions like the Big Brand Bash, transitioning from paper-based perks to inbox-delivered personalized offers based on purchase history, which replaced traditional mailed coupons. Additionally, members can opt in for digital receipts emailed post-purchase, enhancing convenience and data tracking for future tailored savings. The program also includes points accumulation on qualifying purchases, redeemable for rewards, though specific redemption details vary by location. In select markets, Price Plus Club members can earn fuel discounts at partner gas stations, such as through Speedway partnerships, offering up to 10¢ off per gallon on accumulations of points from grocery spending. These features support by integrating savings, with the app serving over users for seamless in-store and online experiences. Complementing the loyalty program, ShopRite employs an everyday low pricing (EDLP) strategy through its "Right Price Promise" initiative, which guarantees competitive base prices on staple groceries to build long-term value perception amid regional price wars. This approach is paired with weekly advertisements and digital promotions, featuring temporary price reductions on hundreds of items advertised in circulars and loadable via the Price Plus Club app, allowing customers to stack savings for deeper discounts. brands like Bowl & Basket for everyday essentials and Wholesome Pantry for organic and free-from options further reinforce affordability, often positioned as cost-effective alternatives to national brands since their launches in 2019 and 2020 rebranding, respectively. ShopRite leverages customer analytics from Price Plus Club data to personalize marketing campaigns, with recent pilots using AI-driven platforms to target offers, improve forecasting, and enhance shopper retention through sharpened promotional planning. This data-centric approach has demonstrated return on investment gains in test programs, enabling Wakefern Food Corp., ShopRite's parent cooperative, to attract and retain customers more effectively.

Advertising and promotions

ShopRite's advertising efforts have long centered on its iconic "Can-Can" campaign, which originated in January 1971 as a promotional sale on canned goods and non-perishables to draw shoppers back after the holiday season. The campaign features upbeat TV and radio advertisements with animated dancing cans set to the "Infernal Galop" from Jacques Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld, creating a memorable sonic brand that has endured for over 50 years. In recent iterations, such as the 2019 update, ShopRite shifted from live-action "Can-Can girls" to fully animated cans to modernize the visuals while preserving the jingle's familiarity. A summer extension of the sale was introduced in 2002, adapting the format to warmer months with promotions on similar pantry staples. Since the 1970s, ShopRite has maintained annual holiday campaigns through television and radio spots emphasizing seasonal deals on turkeys, gifts, and festive essentials. For instance, 1980s advertisements highlighted Thanksgiving turkeys at 69 cents per pound and Christmas promotions tied to products like Fuji Film, reinforcing the chain's role in family gatherings. These efforts, often aired regionally in the Northeast, continue today with digital integrations for broader reach during peak shopping periods. Post-2020, ShopRite has pivoted toward digital advertising, incorporating influencers and targeted online ads to engage younger demographics. The chain collaborates with creators on platforms like and for sponsored content, as seen in recent partnerships listed by trackers, to showcase products in relatable scenarios. A notable example is the 2022 Social Video Series, which produced short, shoppable videos aimed at and Gen Z to promote own-brand items through snackable formats. In 2025, the "We Are Here" integrated campaign extended this approach across digital channels, celebrating family-operated stores and community ties with targeted messaging. In-store events form a key part of ShopRite's promotions, featuring sampling stations and grand opening celebrations to drive foot traffic and product trials. New store openings, such as the 2025 debut in , included over 20 sampling stations with vendor guests offering tastings of fresh and packaged goods. Similarly, the , location hosted community parades and ribbon-cuttings with in-store demos, while partnerships with brands enable co-op advertising for joint sampling events. Promotions are tailored regionally, particularly in Northeast markets, with back-to-school campaigns offering deals on supplies, snacks, and lunch items. For example, ShopRite's 2025 initiatives included an "A+ Rewards" program in partnership with brands like , providing gift cards for qualifying purchases to support family shopping needs. These efforts integrate briefly with loyalty strategies, such as Price Plus card bonuses, to encourage repeat visits during seasonal peaks.

Community engagement

Philanthropic initiatives

ShopRite's flagship philanthropic program, Partners in Caring, was established in 1999 as an annual in-store fundraising effort to address hunger in local communities. Through campaigns such as checkout donations and product-specific contests, the initiative has raised nearly $65 million by 2025, supporting over 2,500 charities focused on food insecurity. The program collaborates closely with Feeding America and regional food banks to channel funds and surplus food directly to those in need, emphasizing efficient distribution to maximize impact. According to Feeding America's standard metric where $1 equates to at least 10 meals, ShopRite's annual contributions through this partnership have historically provided the equivalent of tens of millions of meals, with a focus on achieving substantial hunger relief targets each year. ShopRite associates are integral to these efforts, actively participating in fundraising competitions like the annual Contest sponsored by , where store teams vie to collect the most donations, often raising over $1 million per event. The company matches select contributions and incentivizes volunteer hours at partner organizations, while also prioritizing initiatives in underserved neighborhoods through collaborations with groups like the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which provide workshops and resources on healthy eating. In response to the 2020 , ShopRite committed significant resources to crisis relief, including a $1 million to 32 Feeding America-affiliated food banks to supply meals to vulnerable families amid widespread disruptions. The company further aided frontline efforts by donating trailers for transporting medical equipment to pop-up hospitals and supporting needs through logistical partnerships, contributing to broader during the health emergency. In November 2025, amid a government shutdown, ShopRite and Wakefern pledged $1.25 million to support regional food banks.

Sponsorships and naming rights

ShopRite has established itself as a prominent sponsor in women's professional golf through its title sponsorship of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, an annual tournament held at the Bay Course at Seaview in Galloway, New Jersey. This partnership, which began in 1994, provides significant branding visibility for the supermarket chain across broadcasts, event signage, and promotional materials, while also integrating ShopRite products into tournament activations. In June 2025, ShopRite extended this multiyear agreement, reinforcing its commitment to the event's growth and commercial exposure. Through this partnership, ShopRite has donated nearly $45 million to local causes since 1994, including $1.8 million in 2025. In , ShopRite maintains an ongoing sponsorship with the Philadelphia Phillies, encompassing advertising integrations such as in-stadium promotions and community-tied activations that enhance among fans in the Delaware Valley region. This relationship includes radio broadcast mentions and collaborative marketing efforts, aligning ShopRite's family-oriented image with the team's regional popularity. ShopRite also supports local sports through targeted sponsorships of youth and events in its operating states, including high school athletics and teams in the Northeast, providing branding opportunities via uniforms, scoreboards, and event-day promotions to connect with audiences. These initiatives focus on commercial visibility in markets like , New York, and , where ShopRite operates over 300 stores.

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