Vernon Price Chopper Closing, Being Replaced With Other Stores

VERNON, CT — The Price Chopper supermarket at the Tri-City Plaza in Vernon is closing, but it is being replaced by a ShopRite supermarket and a sister store of the two popular TJX Companies outlets already there.

Price Chopper announced the closure of the 35 Talcottville Road location in an e-mail sent at 2:02 p.m. Monday from the corporate office. About two-and-a-half hourds later, ShopRite made its announcement.

The final day for the Chopper will be May 28, according to the announcement. With the rumor mill churning locally during the Stop & Shop strike, Price Chopper officials were asked of the potential move two weeks ago, but calls were not returned. A town official said the announcement had to wait until union employees were notified Monday.

"Price Chopper has a history in the Vernon community and we value the relationships that we’ve built with our customers, local community and trade partners and teammates. After thoroughly reviewing the store’s current and future viability, we’ve concluded that closure is the appropriate action to take with this location," said Mona Golub, vice president of public relations and consumer services.

She added, "Company officials are working to assist the store’s teammates through the transition, offering most of them positions in one of three sister stores close to Vernon. Severance packages and outplacement assistance will be offered to those for whom there isn’t an opportunity."

According to the announcement "operators of a new grocery store coming into the Vernon location," identified as a ShopRite/Waverly Markets store, may also "make offers to Price Chopper teammates who wish to stay at the Vernon location."

Shoprite said, Waverly, which owns two Shoprites in the state, will reach out to the employees during the transition.

“It’s never easy to close a store, but imperative to make business decisions that support the company’s continued health and growth,” Golub said.

Shop Rite officials were also asked about the possibility two weeks ago, but said the chain's policy was to not comment on future locations. They confirmed the move Monday.

The Price Chopper space occupies 99,000 square feet at Tri-City. A town source said the plan is for TJX's Homesense to take over 27,000 feet next to sister stores T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods.

That would leave the remaining space for Shoprite.

According to the Shoprite announcement, Price Chopper will continue to operate the pharmacy there until June 8, when ShopRite will begin operating the existing pharmacy. The pharmacy will remain open during the entire renovation process.

ShopRite is renovating the entire space and will open a "new, full-service supermarket there later this year."

Customers who filled prescriptions in the past with Price Chopper can continue to get their prescriptions filled at the ShopRite pharmacy throughout the transition period, and new customers looking for a pharmacy are also welcome, according to the announcement.

The same pharmacists, Melanie Fiddler, the pharmacy manager; and Brian Gresh, staff pharmacist, will continue to fill prescriptions, according to Shoprite.

"Our ShopRite supermarkets have been proudly serving the surrounding communities for more than 20 years. We’re excited to open a new store later this year in Vernon that will allow us to extend our reach and commitment to the area where our family works and lives. We’re also keeping the pharmacy open to customers during the renovation to ensure a smooth transition,” said Jordan Coe, President and Co-Owner of Waverly Markets.

The supermarket will also provide new job opportunities and is encouraging current Price Chopper employees to apply for positions with the new ShopRite.

The new store location will offer other popular ShopRite features, including Butcher, Fresh Bake, Seafood, Prepared Foods and Produce departments.

The new store will also include ShopRite from Home, ShopRite’s online shopping platform. The total renovation is expected to be completed by the end of the year, according to the announcement.

ShopRite will offer a health and wellness team for services including, but not limited to, flu shots, immunizations, a free diabetes program on select medications and supplies, an Auto Fill program and prescription counseling and product recommendations.

The transition would be subject to local regulatory approval.

"The town of Vernon looks forward to working with the new occupants," Gately said.