Stop and Shop’s recent financial troubles are impacting one New Jersey location — the company has announced that its store on Route 9 (2360 Lakewood Road) in Toms River will close around the spring of 2026. The decision is being described as part of a review of “underperforming” stores and a cost-cutting strategy.
This closure isn’t an isolated incident. Parent company Ahold Delhaize has previously announced plans to close several underperforming stores, with a dozen closings planned by 2024—a strategy that is part of the company’s efforts to maintain profitability and invest in the customer experience. These decisions have transformed the Meerut-Northeast grocery market and impacted Stop and Shop’s operating area.
What is ground-reality? According to local reports, the company has decided not to renew the lease at this Toms River location and will continue operating the store until next year, after which it will be closed. The company states that local sales have not met expected levels, and rising operating costs led to this decision. The report aims to highlight that this closure is not the result of rent alone or a single factor — but rather the result of years of market challenges, competition, and changing consumer behavior.
This will have a direct impact on employees and the local community. Local reports indicate that affected employees are being offered transfer options to other nearby stores, but this option may not be convenient or feasible for every employee. Furthermore, for the community, this means reduced access to groceries in the area—especially in areas where customers travel long distances to reach other large supermarkets. Customers will have to look to alternative stores such as ShopRite, Walmart, Costco, or local grocery markets.
Why is the company closing? The major reasons are clear: rising rent and labor costs, price competition, and customer migration in some locations. As part of its consolidation strategy, Ahold Delhaize identified and closed stores that were not performing as expected over the long term, so that the company could invest in the remaining stores and focus on value/customer experience. This strategy also resulted in a list of stores slated for closure in 2024.
What customers and communities should do:
- Regular Stop and Shop customers should purchase their essentials in advance and learn about special offers/coupons—clearance offers often occur before closings.
- Find nearby alternative grocery stores and online grocery delivery options.
- It’s important for employees to understand that the company often offers transfer or job assistance options—so contact HR to request written information and support.
From a broader perspective, large grocery chains like Stop and Shop are constantly assessing the market—closing some locations, reinvesting in others. Consumer preferences are changing (online shopping, the rise of discount retailers), and this is why the grocery sector is constantly restructuring. Local closures, therefore, are not just the loss of a store, but also impact shopping habits and daily life in the area.
In conclusion, the closure of this Stop and Shop location in Toms River is part of a larger picture in which the company is attempting to improve its core markets by closing underperforming stores. Affected residents and customers will now be able to find alternative stores and services, while it will be important for employees to have reliable information about the relocation/assistance the company is providing. If you are a regular customer of this store, keep an eye on official company announcements and local news in the near future – this will provide you with accurate information regarding the closure date, closure sale, and available assistance for employees.
