The new ShopRite in Patchogue opens for business Friday morning.
The store, located at 95 Sunrise Highway next to , will have its soft opening Friday and Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and will have its grand opening on Sunday at 10 a.m.
The store held a private preview on Thursday evening, where local chamber members, politicians and other invitees were able to tour the store.
Harry Janson, Sr. is the owner of the Patchogue ShopRite as well as its Hauppauge location. Janson said the location has been in the making for the last 18 months to two years.
Janson said that what makes ShopRite different is its focus on carrying of specialty foods.
“We carry a lot, a huge variety of organics, and produce and other departments," he said. "We carry a huge variety of gluten-free because it is important, and natural foods."
Janson said that 400 employees, full-time and part-time have been hired to work in the new store.
During the store’s market study, Janson said he learned that the school district’s enrollment of a more than 30 percent Hispanic demographic means that the store has to pay attention to that.
“That means I better pay attention to that body of people and make sure I have the products they want,” Janson said.
The location is opening near the long-standing in Patchogue. When asked about the competition, Janson said that the store remains focused on their own beliefs.
“I think they do what they do and we wish them luck, we, for us we believe in pricing right, and that’s a thing for ShopRite and we also believe in variety, we also believe in quality, and have a lot of employees to get you in, get you out,” Janson said.
The store's regular store hours will be Mon.-Thurs. 6 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Check the photos to see the inside of the new store during Thursday night's preview event.
