Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Absecon is experiencing some tremendous growth with activity at the Marketplace of Absecon and even downtown.
The White Horse Wine and Spirits store moved out of the Marketplace in December 2023 to their own free-standing, 25,000-square-foot building. They are now located at Absecon Crossing, 410 White Horse Pike.
However, instead of panicking, the owners of the Marketplace went on a mission to locate a replacement tenant, and that they did. They hit a home run by securing an Aldi grocery store for the vacant 20,996-square-foot space. It was a win-win for both retail centers.
In this day and age of the contracting retail sector, Aldi is one retail chain that is expanding at a strategic, rapid pace. The German-based company was founded in 1946 by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht. It opened its first store in the USA in 1976. Today they have more than 2,500 stores in 40 states, making it the third largest grocery store chain in the country. The corporate goal is to expand the footprint with the addition of 800 new stores by 2028.
South Jersey especially is experiencing the positive effects of this growth pattern, with stores located in Egg Harbor Township, Rio Grande, now Absecon and soon in Somers Point. The company claims that 25% of all households shop at an Aldi store on average nationwide.
The company philosophy of low prices and guaranteed happiness is noticeable as soon as you walk in the door. They are so confident in their products that every item is backed by a Twice as Nice Guarantee. If for any reason a customer is not 100% satisfied with the quality of a product, Aldi will replace the product and issue a refund.
“At our new Absecon Aldi Store, shoppers will find that every decision we made, from our product selection to store layout, is to provide our customers with the best products at the lowest possible prices of any national grocer,” said Bob Grammer, regional vice president for Aldi. “Our customers can save up to 36% on an average household’s shopping list. As shoppers look for better ways to stretch their dollar, Aldi is providing Absecon with easier access to quality groceries at affordable prices.”
If the consumer selects Aldi exclusives, they can expect savings of up to 63%, with quality comparable to the national brands, according to the company.
The public is invited to a grand opening at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, May 15. To celebrate, the first 100 customers will receive a gift bag with a sampling of Aldi-exclusive products and a gift card as part of an Aldi Golden Ticket giveaway program. Shoppers can also enter a sweepstakes for a $500 Aldi gift card through opening weekend.
The store is located at 674 White Horse Pike, at the Marketplace of Absecon.
After you shop at the new Aldi, you can wander down New Jersey Avenue to Absecon’s newest florist, Absecon Blooms at 134 New Jersey Ave. This is a truly growing family business owned by Sarah Scheer and her parents, Ralph and Kathy English. Sarah and her mom work inside while her dad is in charge of the deliveries. Her son Brody even helps out when necessary.
Sarah is originally from Absecon, but moved to Key Largo, Fla., where the family had a successful floral shop. However, she missed South Jersey. When she realized there wasn’t a flower and gift shop in Absecon, Sarah and her family decided to give it a try last year. It has been growing ever since. No pun intended. She said she loves the hometown feel of Absecon.
The shop has something for everybody including nice gift items. If you are looking for small “I love you arrangements or creative settings for weddings, funerals, and any large special events we do it all with a personal family touch,” said Sarah. “We just get a great feeling when people walk out of the store with big smiles, or when we deliver and get even bigger smiles.
Stop by at 134 New Jersey Ave., call them at 609-380-7715 or see abseconblooms.net.
Remember to stop, shop, play and stay locally. Support local businesses, especially small businesses.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
