Camden, N.J., Getting 1st-ever ShopRite

Jason, Shawn and Brett Ravitz of Supermarkets of Cherry Hill Inc.; the Goldenberg Group; and Camden, N.J., have revealed plans to bring a ShopRite store to the city in 2015. This will be the first major full-service supermarket in the area in more than three decades, as well as the first-ever ShopRite.

Located at the intersection of South 17th Street and Admiral Wilson Boulevard, the new store will anchor a 20-acre retail shopping center, Admiral Wilson Plaza (plan at left), which will also include several restaurants and other retailers. Admiral Wilson Plaza is projected to create 400 construction jobs, 320 new full- and part-time jobs, and significant new tax revenues for both Camden and New Jersey.

“This is an historic day for Camden,” said Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd on March 19. “Bringing two reputable entities such as the Goldenberg Group and the Ravitz family to open a ShopRite in our city is long overdue. [T]his is the type of development project [residents] have been asking for -- one that will create jobs and opportunities for them.”

“This monumental endeavor will not only further spur economic development in our city, but it will certainly bring much needed jobs for our residents and provides a viable source of healthy food choices for our children and families,” added Camden City Council President Francisco “Frank” Moran.

Owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Ravitz family, whose Supermarkets of Cherry Hill operates five Shop Rite supermarkets in Camden and Burlington counties, ShopRite of Camden will offer such amenities as a broad array of groceries; hundreds of fresh produce items delivered seven days a week; a fresh bake shop that can create custom wedding cakes; custom-cut fresh meats; fresh seafood delivered daily; a full-service floral department; a pharmacy with free nutritional counseling; and a broad selection of ethnic foods. Additionally, natural, organic and gluten-free products will be readily available, along with an on-site registered dietitian to dispense free advice and nutritional guidance, and the “ShopRite from Home” in-store pickup or delivery service.

“We recognize that there is a great need for a full-service supermarket in the city and have been trying for years to find the best location to serve the community,” said Jason Ravitz, VP, retail operations for Supermarkets of Cherry Hill Inc. “Now is the right time.” Shawn and Brett Ravitz are his brothers and colleagues in the business.

According to Ken Goldenberg, founder, president and CEO of real estate developer Goldenberg Group: “Camden is already witnessing tremendous changes -- the expansion of Campbell’s headquarters, new buildings related to Cooper Hospital, and the growth in the University Science district, This project will build on that investment and has the potential to be a game changer for Camden and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

ShopRite is the registered trademark of Keasbey, N.J.-based retail cooperative Wakefern Food Corp. With nearly 250 ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than 5 million customers each week.