The wait for one of the region’s most anticipated retail transformations is nearly over. ShopRite on Tuesday announced that its brand-new, state-of-the-art ShopRite of Manahawkin, located at 733 Route 72 West, will officially open its doors on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
The morning will kick off with a 7 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony led by members of the Saker family, the third- and fourth-generation grocers who own and operate Saker ShopRites.
To celebrate the move to the expansive new location, the Saker family and their retail team have planned a community-focused celebration:
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Early bird rewards: The first 200 customers in line will receive special grocery gift bags packed with coupons and product samples.
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Celebration events: Opening day will feature in-store food sampling, local food trucks, and appearances by local officials to mark the milestone.
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Revitalized anchor: The new store is more than double the size of the previous Stafford Square location, serving as a massive 116,000-square-foot anchor for the Manahawkin Commons shopping center.
The new supermarket replaces the former Kmart building, breathing fresh life into a site that sat dormant for years. CEO and President Richard Saker described the location as a “fresh, modern store filled with amenities” designed to modernize the local shopping experience.
Notable Store Features:
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Enhanced departments: A “World Class” bakery featuring custom cakes, a meat department with on-site butchers, and a seafood department receiving fresh daily deliveries.
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Prepared foods: An extensive selection from Saker ShopRites’ own World Class Kitchens and the specialty Dearborn Farms brands.
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Expanded aisles: Significant increases in international foods, locally sourced produce, and ShopRite’s popular private labels like Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry.
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Modern convenience: The location includes a full-service pharmacy and dedicated lanes for Order.Pickup.Deliver., ShopRite’s online shopping service.
The move represents a major investment in the Southern Ocean County community. By relocating from Stafford Square to the larger site at Manahawkin Commons, the store has added several new full- and part-time positions to its workforce.
The site is strategically located near the Garden State Parkway, neighboring major retailers like Michaels and Staples, and is expected to significantly increase foot traffic to the surrounding plaza.
