Original Tenant: ACME Markets
Address: 329 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ
Opened: 1978 in existing building, 1953 in previous building on site
Closed: 2021
Later Tenants: vacant
Photographed: January 2022
We are covering two recently-closed ACMEs here in NJ today, with the first here in Morris Plains! The store closed in 2021 with redevelopment plans coming soon, possibly. We last saw the place in
December as it was going through its closing procedures.
The redevelopments have been
discussed for some time, but nothing really has taken hold yet. So at least as of January 2022, the building was still a hulking shell of an ACME just with the signage and interior removed.
As Acme Style taught us long ago, this store would've originally had the Super Saver facade (still visible) but in the early 2000s was extensively renovated inside and out, including the Industrial Circus decor inside.
This was the outside of a Starbucks, later turned into just a plain ol' cafe, and even later seasonal items.
Here's a look inside the main entrance doors, seeing that all of the fixtures have been removed.
Of course, I didn't actually go inside. But we still get to see inside...
The building is in very good condition, so if another tenant wanted to move in here, most renovations they'd need to do are cosmetic.
Looking towards pharmacy in the front left corner. I wonder if there'd be any interest in this space staying a grocery store, although it may be unlikely with ShopRite, Uncle Giuseppe's, and Stop & Shop nearby and LIDL coming soon not far away.
Here's a look at the other stores we're covering today, including Uncle G nearby. Have a nice spring break!
I recall reading that the Acme closed because the landlord essentially forced them to leave. I also seem to recall that the landlord had specific redevelopment plans for the site. Well given that nothing has yet to happen here, the landlord's decision seems perplexing to say the least. But perhaps my recollection is incorrect or those stories regarding the reason the Morris Plains Acme closed were wrong. While it was unfortunate that a classic Acme shut its doors, I am shocked that it lasted over seven years after the ShopRite of Greater Morristown opened. By contrast, the Cedar Knolls Foodtown closed very shortly after that ShopRite began operations. Since almost the entire strip mall where the Foodtown was located is vacant, I have no idea why Walmart has been unwilling or unable to tear down the shopping center and build a new superstore.
ReplyDeleteThe emptiness of the Acme and especially the Foodtown shopping center is all the more perplexing given that there has been--and continues to be--a ton of redevelopment around the ShopRite of Greater Morristown. The last time I visited that ShopRite, a Burlington and Lidl were almost completed. I believe the Burlington has already opened, and the same may be true regarding Lidl.
It goes without saying that I am looking forward to your profile of the Cedar Knolls Lidl. But I do think the decision to open right across the street from an extremely popular ShopRite is a bit risky (for Lidl). I do not anticipate that the ShopRite will see much of a decline in business, however.
--A&P Fan
Thanks for sharing your thoughts A&P Fan! Your recollection of the history of the Morris Plains ACME's closure is correct. There is an Amazon Fresh slated to be constructed in the former Foodtown space, but we all know that that's not happening anytime soon.
DeleteZachary, thank you for confirming that my recollection of why the Morris Plains Acme closed was correct.
DeleteI had no idea that an Amazon Fresh is slated to be constructed in the former Foodtown space. Since that shopping center is in very sad shape, I would be surprised if a new supermarket opens unless a major redevelopment of the center occurs.