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Nicholas Markets joins Wakefern Food co-op

New Jersey retailer becomes Wakefern’s 51st member

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

October 30, 2019

2 Min Read
Nicholas Markets Wakefern.png
Nicholas Markets

New Jersey-based Nicholas Markets, owned by the Maniaci family, has become the 51st family to join the Wakefern Food Corp. cooperative.

Nicholas Markets operates four stores in North Haledon, Cedar Grove, Colonia and the Township of Washington, N.J., under the Foodtown banner. Upon their conversion, the stores will be rebranded as The Fresh Grocer, a Wakefern trademark. Currently there are nine The Fresh Grocer stores, with eight located in the greater Philadelphia area and one in Wilmington, Del.

The Maniaci family has been part of the Allegiance Retail Services LLC cooperative, operating Nicholas Markets as Foodtown. The supermarket chain was founded in 1943 by Rocco and Nicholas Maniaci, grandfather and father of David Maniaci, current president and CEO of Nicholas Markets Inc.

“The competitive landscape in New Jersey has grown fierce in recent years,” said Maniaci. “I believe Wakefern’s deep roots in the state will help me navigate this and other challenges facing the supermarket industry.”

“We are excited to welcome another member into our Wakefern family,” said Joseph Colalillo, Wakefern’s chairman and CEO.  “Nicholas Markets is a strong addition to our cooperative. David and his associates are deeply committed to serving their communities and providing exceptional quality and fresh prepared foods to their customers.”

Related:Fiscal year sales edge up at Wakefern

Joe Sheridan, Wakefern president and COO, noted, “Adding Nicholas Markets stores to The Fresh Grocer banner strengthens Wakefern’s competitive position in northern New Jersey. Membership in our cooperative allows independent operators to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit while benefiting from the scale and services Wakefern offers. We look forward to welcoming the Maniaci family to Wakefern.” 

Wakefern Food Corp., based in Keasbey, N.J., is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Founded in 1946, the cooperative comprises 51 members who today independently own and operate 353 supermarkets under the ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer, Price Rite Marketplace, Gourmet Garage and Dearborn Market banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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