so sad:(

it is so sad that we cannot get an upscale market like Wegmans because of the demographics in Ocean County. I have shopped at Wegman's in Monmouth many times. It is not only a supermarket, but such a visual, and exciting experience. hey sell your normal meats, etc., but they have gourmet meats, etc. It is about time that we have something to look forward to. C'mon, do we really another ShopRite, etc. It's about time that Toms River, etc Ocean County, can get beyond the Piney reputation. Just make a trip to Macy's at the Ocean County mall and you will see merchandise, fashions sold at discount stores with the same labels.

I have shopped at many Macy's stores in NJ and in Florida and the comparison of goods is absolutely incredible. You would never believe that they are the same organization.

Maybe, I am in the minority, but why cannot we get some upscale stores. Let's get Ocean County in the 21st century.

Boo Stay away! I lived in TR my whole life..live in Manahawkin now soon to move back..Wegmans is nice and overpriced..I love genardis they are amazing and my shoprite is just as nice. Stay where you are and act like you "cant" afford here. BYE!!

What a bummer. I LOVE Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Wegmans. Top Tomato is OK, but the space is tiny. Fuggabout the other stores.

A store like Wegman's would be nice to have around here - it would add some variety to the same old, same old. Nothing against ShopRite, of course - but do I really need to have so many of them within a short distance of my home?

Matt Casey is straight on. Northern Ocean county has the population and income levels, but the demographics are too unbalanced. Way too many senior citizens, not enough 18-34s to cater to trendier stores.

Also, this town seems to be anti-business as much as they can. Look how long it took them to issue permits to rebuild the Dover Mall. Look at the fight Toms River gave Home Depot when they wanted to build at the corner of Fischer and Hooper. The town ended up buying the entire property sooner than let a shopping center be built. What company would come to this area to fight the aging demographics and overzealous town committee?

I think blaming the demographics is a cop out. There are THREE High Schools in Toms River, there are PLENTY of young money-earning families. I believe that these stores find the area run down and do not want to associate their stores with a run down area. There are so many plazas, and buildings that are either empty or run down and show no signs of improving; save the Dover Mall and THAT only took like 15 years to realize. Still, I LOVE Ocean County and even with the decay, I find I can live here and enjoy the shore and shop elsewhere-- it's just too bad Toms River (and these stores) can't profit from those of us who would stimulate their economy.

I agree. I am almost 70 and we drive past TR stores to Brick and Monmouth County for decent stores and shopping. Blaming the seniors is just an excuse for lackluster products in lackluster settings. Even Home Goods in Manahawkin outshines ours. We seem to get what we settle for. I can't believe that Jersey Shore on tv is the demographic our stores target; or is it?????

Don't blame it on the "senior" populaton. Who brings in all the taxes????????????????????????

I also have shopped many times in Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Wegmans when visiting my daughter in the Princeton area. Amazing stores with a different variety of things you cannot find in Shoprite. I am not wealthy either but they do sell many things from local merchants in New Jersey, which would be nice to support our own bakers, farmers, and fresh made pasta. I also am in agreement about our mall and Macy's does not carry the same merchandise as other Macy's. I have to drive to Brick just to find a Best Buy. Why wouldn't "those in charge" want to bring more jobs to Toms River. Too many empty properties just sitting. Rt. 37 looks terrible with all the closed up business.

Yes, I agree that the taxes and such make it hard to have money left over, I raised 3 kids in this county and it's always been harder to afford the extras.. but, I did and now while I know I will never 'retire' I would like to enjoy some of the nicer places to shop at least. There are many things in Wegmans that are cheaper than ShopRite; and there are many more choices in Wegmans than ShopRite. I've given alot of my business to ShopRite over the years, I just like to have the choice for when I want something else. Like so many other communities in NJ. Besides the shore and the proximity, one of the biggest things NJ has to offer is "choice". Many other states don't have the selection of stores and things to do that NJ has.
But, other than food, what about getting in a DSW shoes for instance? There are many other stores I wish Toms River would look into in the Dover Mall area (and that big area off Rt.9 near Beachwood and Pine Beach would be great to put in some shopping) I am sure many of the food stores don't want to go in that area with a World Class ShopRite anyway, another food store would be overkill.. still, stores like Ulta, DSW, Barnes and Noble.. what's the deal with all of that?

OH ...COME ON ..LET'S GET WITH THE TIMES PEOPLE! I KNOW MONEY IS TUFF THESE DAYS,BUT "A LOT OF PEOPLE, HAVE ALOT OF MONEY"I FOR ONE ARE ON A FIXED INCOME AND WOULD LOVE WEG./T.J./OR ANY OTHER "UPSCALE"STORE IN TOMS RIVER.LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT. WE CAN BE KNOWN TO BE THE HOME OF THE SHOW"JERSEY SHORE" BUT, CAN'T AFFORD A GOURMET FOOD AND RETAIL STORE?HERE YOU GO....."TOMS RIVER!....ASS.....NO CLASS"

What about a West Elm, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Cheesecake Factory, PFChang
the list can go on and on. We have to drive at least a half an hour to find some good shopping.
Come on Toms River!!

Blaming the seniors IS a cop out. Forget about demographics, the overall population is enough to bring in these much sought-after businesses. The town looks like a dump, and property owners are just holding out so they can pounce on potential buyers and take them for all they are worth. I say start fining these clowns for their part in TR's urban blight. All you have to do is go to the OC Health Dept. and say you saw rats running around on one of these properties to get the ball rolling. (wink, wink). Yes, let's bring TR into the 21st century but without mass transit, unions, and all the other social engineering BS.

And now Toms River will have 2 more empty buildings to look at when Seaside Furniture closes (the building near the bridge and the clearance center west of the Parkway) Also corner of Fischer and 37 has an empty building.Do the residents and tourists really enjoy looking at empty stores? Planning board needs to recruit new business, not chase people away.

I have lived in Toms River for 39 years and raised my family here on my own. I am a single 'senior' living on a low fixed income. I rarely shop in Toms River anymore ,except for the Shoprite, and it's so frustrating to have to travel to find what you want, especially now with the price of gas. Most posts so far have hit all the nails on their perverbial heads. No variety, no choices, poor planning, same old same old. Don't blame seniors! The majority live on the outskirts of Toms River Twp. anyway, in Berkeley, Lakewood and Manchester! Four Seasons, Eagle Ridge, The Fairways, etc. are not what I would call communities of the poor!! As far as the stores mentioned are concerned, I absolutely LOVE Wegman's. Healthy choices and fresh produce and a large variety of CHOICES! Someone said 'old people' can't walk around a big store? Give me a break. We just walk slower!! =) I went up to the new Trader Joe's yesterday , as did many other Toms River-ites by the way. I know because I asked! This store is not expensive. I found gourmet cheeses for much less than the Shoprite and healthy pre-made dinners for less than $4.00! Restaurants here are always full of senior citizens, so don't use affordability as an excuse. I would much rather pay $4.00 for a meal than an early bird special! Of course you wouldn't be eating 'out' but you get my point. People shop and buy what they think is important to THEM. Give us a choice Toms River! Wake up and get with the times!

Trader Joe's is very affordable....I left the new store in Shrewsbury with 6 full grocery bags and paid under $75. That never happens at Foodtown. In fact....I find myself throwing away spoiled food well before the expiration date....bad produce....etc. from Foodtown all the time. They had better step up their game if they want to compete w/ anyone in town...whether it be Shop Rite or other.

I totally agree with the last 3 comments all of the big empty buildings on 37 make Toms River look businesses are just closing their doors and moving out. We need to get some businesses here that people want and need. Also living in a shore town you would think there would be more seafood restaurants. If you go to Long Branch or other shore towns you can find many great places to eat. The only one I know of is Atlantic Bar & Grill which has good food but in the summer you have to wait forever to get a table.

I think a community theater would still be a good idea. A local theater company could put on shows. During the winter months, it could be used as a community youth center.

I think there is enough population diversity to support Trader Joes, etc. as well as Shop-Rite, etc. Do those places really need 10 plus acres ? They are in Philly and not in very large spaces. Maybe the corporate side should rethink the TR area. I know alot of people would love Wegmans, Trader Joes as well as more upscale stores. Totally agree with MaryEllen and Joan about Macys and other large department store here. I think we get the rejects from other areas. P.S. to shop rite- please get your prices in order with your quality. I now go to BJs for milk. Why is it almost $4 a gallon in SR? Also, produce quality has gone downhill. I think the Foodtown on Fischer kept SR on their toes. Now that Foodtown is gone, SR is getting lazy. Just sayin. But your people are still nice.

I'm loving this discussion. Those who oppose Wegman's and Whole Food stores have the perception that they can't "afford" the "high end" food. Those who support it believe that these stores offer a better quality of food, which may or may not be more expensive than the usual "Slop and Stops". Hmmm. A dilemma. I guess it comes down to the fact that we have to "think" about the foods we eat, where they come from and how they were raised. Most of our foods are "GM" (genetically modified) ... which are not required by law (regulation) to be labeled. (And you thought you don't like "regulations"... LOL) Well, let's have this discussion. "Organic" foods must be labeled and certified. If anyone has read the latests news about BPA's and other chemical contaminants in our food supply, you might give this another thought. Perhaps you would be able to consider a "good store" instead of another Walmart, K-Mart or Costco. We can live with less, but better quality. I, for one, don't know what to do with my case of canned chick peas (or soups ... chicken nugget's or "Beef-A-Reeno"! I can't possibly eat all of this crap! Yet, I but it because it "seems like a good deal". I'm stopping the insanity now. I will do my best to buy only what I "need" for myself and my family. I'm done with "cheap, excess" food, clothes, toys, crap....

BN point taken and noted. Just a suggestion .

I could also go with 1 of my normal suggestions. Trees and restoring
the land to its natural state. But where is the money in that?

It is hard to believe that we have to go to Brick to buy a book!!!!!! Everyone is so right about Macy's in TR. What a waste of time!

If we were to judge by the Lakewood and Freehold Shop-Rites, we would all keep shopping at the Perlmutter stores. Let us hope that the Sakers take a lesson from the Perlmutters.

Larry

Let's see how quick additional buildings go up on the old mall site, and how fast decent businesses lease space. I'll bet the only neighbor for ShopRite and the liquor store for a while will be just another pizzeria -- or maybe some stores will move from older malls, leaving vacant storefronts behind.

On the Township website, the mayor touts TR as "an attractive place to visit" (oh, really?) and Rt. 37 as "our main commercial corridor." Yeah, for gas stations on the way to Seaside!

Rt. 37 is starting to remind me of locking car doors as I drive through slums around the Camden aquarium or the AC casinos.

Fischer Blvd. and Rts. 166 & 9 are a little frayed and shabby in places. With the township's colossal lack of property-maintenance enforcement, are these areas NEXT to become so "attractive" in the mayor's eyes? No wonder nothing has been done for years. No vision!

So exactly what stores are slated to be in the new Dover Mall? This whole area needs updating. Who said older people won't walk around a Wegmans because it's to big? That was a dumb answer.They do just fine walking around Costco and BJ's and manage to walk around a big Atlantic City casino just fine. They think there is no money here and maybe they think that because all the towns look so run down. Also how about some clean up for all the filth and litter on all the roads. Have you driven through Lakewood? The litter is a horrid and it is never cleaned up. These towns should be ashamed of themselves. I pay very high taxes I would like to live in a clean updated neighborhood with the ablility to shop in modern stores.

I do MOST of our grocery shopping in Whole Foods and Trader Joe's so this is not good news! I used to shop at both stores in Edgewater NJ, but we moved to Toms River 4 months ago and now we have to travel and hour each way to Princeton so that I have a WF and TJ close by each other, as we had in Edgewater. The Shrewsbury and Middle Town stores are not good for us because there is a longer distance between the two. Besides, Princeton is a much nicer drive from Toms River. It's annoying because I have to bring coolers and then buy bags of ice after I shop for the long trip home. I buy grass fed meats and grass fed dairy as well as natural cold cuts , cheeses and eggs, so it's not wise to drive home an hour in the warmer weather without having those foods on ice. Those stores are just what this area needs!

Perfect space would be the old Foodtown on Fischer Blvd. Also, what about North Dover and some areas of East Dover. Im pretty sure that demographic would shop at these higher-end stores, but even besided that, I know many other people who travel 30-40 miles to go to one of these places. However, we should support local stores and local farmer markets. You can get some GREAT food from these places. June 8 starts the farmer's market in downtown Toms River. I get great food for great prices at the market.

Lorraine I totally agree with you I also shopped for many years at Whole Foods and Trader Joes in Princeton and when I go back to visit my daughter in that area I do the same thing with the cooler. I had wrote previously about this. Yes it nice to support local farmers but Whole Foods has homemade pastas, sauces, etc. from local businesses in New Jersey. Excellent! We need that in Toms River.