NEW JERSEY - New Jersey’s grocery market is facing a significant "spring cleaning" in 2026. While some chains are doubling down on high-tech remodels, others are making a total exit from the state or shuttering historic anchors to cut costs.
NEW JERSEY - New Jersey’s grocery market is facing a significant "spring cleaning" in 2026. While some chains are doubling down on high-tech remodels, others are making a total exit from the state or shuttering historic anchors to cut costs.
From the loss of a major pharmacy giant to the disappearance of local fast-casual favorites, here is what New Jersey shoppers need to know about the upcoming closures.
The Total Exit of Rite Aid
In one of the most substantial shifts in New Jersey retail history, Rite Aid is completing its total exit from the state this spring. Following a second bankruptcy filing and a multi-year struggle to restructure, the chain is shuttering its remaining storefronts across the Garden State.
- The Timeline: Most locations have finalized their liquidation sales, with the last remaining stores expected to turn off the lights by the end of March 2026.
- Impact Areas: This exit affects every corner of the state, from urban hubs like Jersey City and Newark to suburban neighborhoods in Toms River, Willingboro, and Vineland.
- What to Do: Residents who still have prescriptions at Rite Aid are being urged to coordinate transfers immediately, as many locations have already ceased issuing rewards points and accepting returns.
Walgreens and Duane Reade Cuts
Walgreens is also tightening its belt in New Jersey as part of a three-year plan to shutter 1,200 underperforming stores nationwide.
- The Strategy: The company is targeting locations with expiring leases that no longer meet profitability targets.
- NJ Locations: While a full list hasn't been made public, recent closures have targeted stores in Jackson, Whiting, Toms River, and Freehold.
Stop & Shop’s Regional Reset
Stop & Shop has been aggressive in "cleaning out the garage" by closing underperforming stores to focus on its remodeled, higher-performing locations.
- The Closures: Following a major round of closures that took out 10 New Jersey locations (including sites in Edison, Howell, Phillipsburg, and Piscataway), the brand is using this spring to pivot.
- The Pivot: Instead of maintaining older, smaller storefronts, the company is investing in "Fresh-Focused" remodels at its remaining sites to compete with the rapid expansion of Aldi and Lidl.
The Loss of Tito’s Burritos & Wings
On the local front, New Jersey is losing a fast-casual institution. Tito’s Burritos & Wings officially announced it will close all of its locations by March 1, 2026.
- Affected Towns: This includes the original South Orange spot, as well as locations in Summit and Ridgewood.
- An Era Ends: For over 20 years, the "It’s All Good" brand was a community staple for students and families alike. Their closure marks a significant shift in the local dining scene as rising operational costs squeeze independent chains.
Why the Shakeup?
Analysts point to a few specific reasons why New Jersey is seeing such a heavy volume of closures this spring:
- High Real Estate Costs: New Jersey has some of the highest commercial rent and tax burdens in the country. For chains like Rite Aid and Walgreens, maintaining hundreds of brick-and-mortar sites in high-cost districts became unsustainable.
- Digital Dominance: With a high population density, New Jersey is a "hot zone" for grocery delivery and e-commerce. Stores that aren't equipped for high-volume digital pickup are being phased out in favor of larger, automated hubs.
- The "Aldi Effect": The rapid growth of discount grocers is forcing mid-market supermarkets to either drastically lower prices or exit neighborhoods where they can no longer maintain their margins.
