CLOSTER, N.J. — Closter's new Stop & Shop was opening at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, with a ribbon-cutting event.
Dozens of workers moved shelves, added stock and repainted and renovated sections of the 45,000 square-foot space -- with 19 aisle of groceries and redone private offices -- since Stop & Shop took over the Demarest Avenue A&P earlier this year..
Management will keep A&P employees and hire additional associates to round out its 100-member staff.
“We did this all in just a week. Another non-Stop & Shop store took three weeks,” said John Encke, the store manager in Wyckoff, who was mentoring new managers.
The store added 10,000 price tags displaying comparisons to rates between A&P and the new store.
Organic food products replace an entire liquor section. Select goods are baked at least twice a day.
The new Stop & Shop also features 40 Scan-It devices that shoppers use to scan their purchases as they go. Or they can use a smartphone app.
“We listen to the customers. They tell us what they want,” Encke said.
Charlie Kruger, the vice president of development for B&A Food Brokers, set up a chef-inspired station that offers ready-made restaurant quality foods.
“They give a lot back to the kids," said Richard Michalik, an assistant store manager from Franklin Lakes who was also on hand acting as a mentor to new management. "I’ve been with Stop & Shop for four years and I’ve seen the difference between the way they and other companies treat their employees.”
According to Encke, the store gives back a percentage to causes such childhood cancer organizations and to local schools where customers can sign up and donate a percentage to a school. Officials also promote the store's recycling initiatives.
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