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Weis Markets adds to Pennsylvania store base

Acquisition grows Mid-Atlantic chain’s presence in Luzerne County

Russell Redman

October 1, 2019

2 Min Read
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Weis Markets is acquiring a pair of supermarkets in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Sunbury, Pa.-based grocer said yesterday that it plans to buy Thomas’ Food Markets SuperFoodtown in Dallas, Pa., and Thomas’ Food Basics in Shavertown, Pa., from T. C. D. Realty Inc. Financial terms of agreement, expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter, weren’t disclosed.

Plans call for Weis to convert and reopen the Dallas store after the deal closes. The retailer said the Shavertown store won’t be reopened.

When the Dallas store reopens, Weis will operate seven stores in Luzerne County. The Shavertown store, converted from the Foodtown to the Food Basics banner in July, is being closed because it’s too small and too close to other supermarkets in Dallas, including the Thomas’ location being acquired and an existing Weis store, according to published reports.

“We have great respect for the operators and associates of Thomas’ Foodtown and Food Basics in Dallas and Shavertown and look forward to continuing to serve the Dallas area,” Jonathan Weis, chairman, president and CEO of Weis Markets, said in a statement. “We look forward to interviewing their associates for possible employment with our company.”

Last Thursday, Weis also completed remodels of stores in Elmira, N.Y.; Gap, Pa.; and Westminster, Md.

Related:Price promotions, online grocery boost Weis Markets

Renovations to the Elmira store include the addition of Weis 2 Go online ordering with in-store pickup; updated décor; an expanded floral department; an upgraded frozen department; and more natural/organic, bakery, meals to go and gluten-free offerings. Weis said a Gas N’ Go fuel center is expected to be completed this fall.

Likewise, the Gap store added Weis 2 Go online ordering and curbside pickup — complementing its delivery service — as well as updated décor, a new milkshake fountain and expanded natural/organic and ethnic food selections. The store added a beer/wine café last month. At the Westminster location, Weis updated the décor and expanded natural/organic, meals to go, gourmet cheese and gluten-free offerings.

At its annual shareholders meeting in late April, Weis unveiled a $109 million capital spending plan for 2019, including a new store in Bedminster, Pa., plus 14 store renovations and the addition of six fuel centers. Since then, the company has completed five remodels, opened one new fuel center and added beer/wine cafés to seven stores.

Overall, Weis operates 198 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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