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Closter Stop & Shop Has Grand Opening

CLOSTER, N.J. — Closter's new Stop & Shop was opening at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, with a ribbon-cutting event.

John Encke of Stop & Shop shows the comparison price tags in the new Closter shop.

John Encke of Stop & Shop shows the comparison price tags in the new Closter shop.

Photo Credit: Melissa Heule
Crews unload stock in advance of Friday's Opening Day.

Crews unload stock in advance of Friday's Opening Day.

Photo Credit: Melissa Heule
The 45,000 square-foot Closter Stop & Shop store features 19 aisles of groceries.

The 45,000 square-foot Closter Stop & Shop store features 19 aisles of groceries.

Photo Credit: Melissa Heule

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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