A fresh new look for A&P

The Stop & Shop division of Ahold hopes to excite food shoppers in the New York area by bringing its brand of retail to 25 tired stores it acquired from A&P.



Stop & Shop completed its acquisition of the A&P stores on Oct. 8 and said it plans to convert the locations in groups of five with the entire process completed by Friday, Nov. 13. Store being converted will close for roughly seven days to allow crews to complete the process.



The company said the extent of the remodels and addition of new amenities will vary by store, but noted that when each reopens as a Stop & Shop they will be refreshed with modern decor, updated refrigeration systems, new lighting, state-of-the-art technology and vibrant signage touting low prices and exciting promotions.



"We are very excited to begin the store conversion process, and we will strive to minimize the inconvenience to customers," said Don Sussman, president of Stop & Shop New York Metro Division. "Stop & Shop is committed to improving the overall shopping experience in these 25 stores to meet the quality, selection and savings that customers have come to expect from us."



Stop & Shop's signature fresh departments will be featured throughout the converted stores as key destinations. Produce departments will feature an assortment of fresh and locally-grown fruits and vegetables and a variety of organic produce. The Butcher Shoppe and Seafood Markets will feature Certified Angus Beef, 100% U.S.D.A. Choice Grade Beef, All-Natural Pork, Grade A Chicken and a vast selection of steaks, filets and shellfish. Deli departments will feature Boar's Head products and specialty cheeses. Customers will also find ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads, fresh rotisserie chicken, pasta, soups and delectable entrees.



Also of note is expansion of the Peapod Internet grocery service. Peapod recently expanded its service in the New York metro area and operates in all five New York City boroughs, in addition to Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut markets where Stop & Shop operates 394 stores.