Food. It’s one of the biggest & most important resources connecting a local environment. What we eat, who supplies it, where we get it from, and who we share it with all play major roles in shaping a community. More than ever, people are prioritizing these decisions and taking careful note of the businesses supplying that food, both from a health and community standpoint.

That’s why a new grocery store opening in town is such big news! It’s a huge piece in a very intricate local puzzle. This summer, Yardley is buzzing with excitement about the brand new ShopRite of Yardley opening on August 31, 2014 in the Oxford Oaks Shopping Center.

While many locals are familiar with the trusted ShopRite name, they may be surprised to learn that their grocery stores are, in fact, fueled by small, locally-owned businesses.

Joseph Colalillo, a second-generation owner of the family-run ShopRite of Hunterdon County, which started with a small store in Flemington over 60 years ago, jumped at the opportunity to get involved just across the river, where he has always enjoyed spending time.

For over a half of a century, ShopRite of Hunterdon County has fueled our neighbors in Hunterdon & Warren Counties- providing the highest quality goods, employing thousands of locals, and always acting as responsible member of their communities. From hospitals to little leagues to schools and everything else in between, ShopRite of Hunterdon County works to enhance the quality of life in their own backyard by directly working with local organizations and families in need.

But how does a family-run business operate with all the added value of a big box grocery store?

ShopRite is part of the Wakefern Food Corp, a retailer-owned cooperative that allows local grocers to access all the advantages of a big corporation without really being one. Instead, the owners can remain focused on what really counts- the food, the people, and the community. Working together, members are able to stay competitive while still retaining the local authenticity that creates a truly great grocery store experience. In fact, 95% of Wakefern's members live in the communities they serve. It's no surprise that this unique model has propelled Wakefern to become the largest retail cooperative in the United States.

Joseph Colalillo knows that an active, open, & supportive relationship with the community is an essential ingredient to his grocery stores. When we asked Joe what his top priority is for opening ShopRite of Yardley later this month, he didn’t bring up the massive construction project of building a 57,000-square-foot, energy-efficient store. He didn’t bring up the huge undertaking of employing over 1,200 locals. And he didn’t even bring up the task of organizing the dozens of departments that will service customers in the new store. No. The top priority for Joe is communicating with the community – getting YOUR direct feedback about their store.

“Our business isn’t about food. It’s about people.”
– Joseph Colalillo, President, ShopRite of Hunterdon County

Customer panels, open dialogue with employees at the store, conversation on their Facebook page, and even directly emailing Joe himself is highly encouraged. Have a special request? ShopRite wants to hear about it. Listening to the needs of the community has allowed ShopRite to meet customers’ needs and stay ahead of major industry trends. For example, ShopRite of Hunterdon County installed self check-out registers over a decade before they became a standard feature at major grocery stores. Daycare services are available to busy parents as they shop.  A dietitian is on staff to ensure that everyone in the community can learn about and access a healthy diet. And in today’s busy world, they’ve made sure that their online shopping and delivery is not only simple, but offers the same prices as in-store shopping. Basically, if you want it, they want to hear about.

The wait is almost over! ShopRite of Yardley officially opens on Sunday, August 31, 2014, and the community is invited to come celebrate their brand new, state-of-the-art grocery store.

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