The Cupboards are Bare at Route 10 Pathmark

The Pathmark on the Route 10 Circle is winding down to its final days, the official closing now Saturday. “They’re just picking our bones,” said an employee this afternoon, nodding sadly at the handful of customers scouting out the merchandise.

Pathmark advertised 70 percent to 90 percent discounts doors as it cleared shelves before closing at The Village of Livingston shopping center on Eisenhower Parkway.  The store is being shut by the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. -- the Montvale-based chain that has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Employees were told the grocery received a one-day reprieve from the original April 15 closing day and will now close on Saturday.

“It doesn’t matter. We’re still out of jobs,” said one gentleman who would not give his name. Employees were offered jobs within the company in Warren County, however, several part-time employees said they turned down the positions because prices makes getting to the new jobs too costly.

Meanwhile, the employees have been saying their goodbyes to regular customers and shoppers looking for bargains.

 “One woman came in with a shopping list,” said Mary Smith who has been with the company for 27 years.  “Look around. There’s nothing left,” she said. 

Indeed, the shelves were sparse. Leftover Halloween and Christmas decorations were selling for 60 cents. Packages of Asian seasonings, beans, and jars of tomato sauce were 80 percent off, while milk, discounted of course, was in a small dairy case. Cakes once priced at $17 were a bargain at $3.60. Planters were stacked in the floral case with a perky “Great For Easter!” sign posted above.  Much of the store resembled a ghost town.

“It’s a shame. This was a nice little store where folks could pick up something quick,” an employee said. It’s expected that most of what remains will all be on sale at 90 percent off on Saturday, unless another reprieve comes through.