Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung recently launched a brand new 72,000-square-foot ShopRite store, completing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment and repositioning of the grocer within the open-air property by Village Super Market and Levin Management Corporation (LMC).
Among the highlights of the renovation program is a newly completed central courtyard, which served as a gathering spot during the ribbon-cutting celebration of ShopRite’s grand opening festivities.
The much-anticipated launch continues ShopRite’s its long-time presence at the landmark Route 22 retail center and represents a key milestone in the property’s transformation, according to LMC, which operates the center.
Village Super Market, Inc. has owned and operated ShopRite at Blue Star since 1980.
In 2023, the company committed to a new, expanded lease and in-center relocation.
ShopRite continued to serve customers in its original space while the new, state-of-the
art store was built.
ShopRite’s opening marks a significant moment in a benchmark retail property
modernization, according to Matthew Harding, chief executive officer at LMC, Blue
Star’s leasing and managing agent.
“It is always gratifying to accommodate long-time, valued tenants like Village Super Market, Inc. as their needs evolve,” Harding said. “This new store is absolutely gorgeous, and the overall transformation of Blue Star Shopping Center is keeping pace. It is clear that the end result will be a source of pride for our team, the property’s ownership, every Blue Star tenant and the entire community.”
“We are excited to open our doors to a beautiful, modern supermarket that delivers
quality, convenience and premium groceries to Watchung shoppers,” Perry Blatt,
director of E-Commerce and Business Development for Village Super Market, Inc., a
member of the retailer-owned supermarket cooperative Wakefern Food Corp., said.
Dubbed the “New Star of Blue Star,” the store features fresh, chef-prepared meals,
global flavors, and specialty and premium items. Expert butchers and fishmongers staff
the meat and seafood counters, while an expanded produce department boasts a
colorful bounty of organic products and freshly cut fruit and vegetables. Customers will
also find chef-prepared grab-and-go options, including hand-rolled sushi, gourmet
meals and sandwiches, over 600 varieties of cheese, and unique soup and coffee bars
featuring favorites from Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market.
The Blue Star redevelopment has sparked notable leasing interest. Following recent
commitments with Planet Fitness and KidStrong, LMC is in active negotiations with
several more national brands. Blue Star Shopping Center’s outstanding tenant lineup
already features Kohl’s, Marshalls, Dollar Tree, The Children’s Place, Hand & Stone
Massage and Facial Spa, and Five Guys, among others.
