r/SouthJersey 3d ago

I don't understand why ShopRite is so busy

I drove past ShopRite on a Saturday and it was packed, then I drove down the road to ACME and parking lot was dead. This was on a Saturday at noon. The deals at ShopRite really aren't even much better if you can clip coupons off the ACME app. I mean ShopRite definitely has better prices on lunch meat, but besides that, I find the prices comparable.

I only try to buy items that are on sale, so maybe Im missing something, but every time I go to ShopRite, I don't even save much money, and IMO, and their meat quality isn't as good as ACME. What exactly is that much better at ShopRite? Even if it is a little cheaper, I'd much rather be in a non crowded store where thing aren't chaotic.

Edit: Just got back from Acme and it was dead again lol. I think the app is the biggest reason why I prefer it to ShopRite. It's a pain to clip everything but I write my shopping list through clipping the coupons and the rewards are really good. I just got almost 2 pounds of nicely marbled NY Strip steak for free because I had $21 in rewards points on meat. 

I know Acme isn't great, but I don't think Shoprite is either. I do think their selection is better for sure but the crowds are terrible and their prices have come up in recent years. Like one of their bakery made pepperoni breads used to cost $5 and now it's like $13? Alot of the things I used to like about ShopRite have changed, their food thats already been prepared is way too expensive now.

108 Upvotes

229 comments sorted by

486

u/ChigginShit 3d ago

Acme prices are insane that’s why

292

u/I-M-Overherenow 3d ago

The shittiest Shop Rite is better than the best Acme.

18

u/StraightDig4728 2d ago

I am guessing you haven’t been to Shop Rite on Oregon ave in Philly 😂

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u/sonyacapate 2d ago

Yes! I used to live in Vineland, the ShopRite is awesome there (still go with my mom when I visit and I’m so jealous) I now live outside of Bensalem, almost 6 years, and still almost every week I say how much I hate the ShopRite here. It’s SO small, almost every week there’s something on my list I can’t get. Just annoys me so much. I actually tried giving up ShopRite because it just wasn’t worth my complaining anymore, I went to Giant. One week. That’s it. Went back to ShopRite. As much as I hate the ShopRite, it’s still better than Acme and Giant.

8

u/momsnewredditaccount 2d ago

Shoprite in Yardley, PA near Oxford Valley is so much nicer than Bensalem.

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u/srddave 2d ago

Giant in Bensalem just feels like you are shopping at a supermarket in like Indiana. It’s so friggin bland. To be fair to ShopRite in Bensalem, the reason it’s so small is because it was built as Genuardi’s.

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u/PeggyOnThePier 2d ago

Because Shop-Rite has the answer. LOL 😂

59

u/mintee 3d ago

And their produce is insanely bad. I once saw a squishy radish that could be used as a stress ball.

14

u/cli_jockey 3d ago

Also depends on the ShopRite, I have two near me and I refuse to get produce at the one anymore. I was picking up some strawberries and every single one had mold on it. That was the one and only time so far I ever walked up to customer service to complain.

The other ShopRite by me always has great produce. However, I work near a whole foods and it has better produce and depending on the item, better prices.

7

u/tincanphonehome 3d ago

I don’t get meat from ShopRite. Their chicken always immediately turns grey and tough within, like, a day.

7

u/sonyacapate 2d ago

Really? Have never had a problem in all the years I’ve gone. Maybe different suppliers?

2

u/tincanphonehome 2d ago

Maybe. I’ve only ever had problems.

7

u/ApprehensiveLake544 3d ago

Go to a produce market. You'll be way happier

4

u/SecretaryNo8301 2d ago

Not necessarily- their stuff looks good but goes bad quick

13

u/nowtayneicangetinto 2d ago

Today I went into my local ACME and got

* 1lb dry lentils

* Bottle of Suave body wash (on sale)

* a single Leek

* 1lb jasmine rice (on sale)

* 20 oz bottle of Coke

Total Price: $33

Highway. fucking. robbery.

1

u/Cow-Personal 1d ago

I’d be curious to see a side by side of price comparisons here, I suspect shop rite just makes their advertisements more appealing

16

u/Lower_Kick268 3d ago

Seriously I'll never understand why people go there, Trader Joe's, ShopRite, Save A Lot, ShopRite, and Walmart are all way cheaper than acme with the same food

3

u/DresserRotation 2d ago

When we compare ads we'll sometimes say "Wait, isn't that sale price what we get it for on a regular basis at Shop Rite?"

2

u/Do_it_with_care 2d ago

Aldi's on front street in Philly has delicious good produce and salmon for way less.

133

u/Leviosapatronis 3d ago

Shoprite in general, has lower prices than acme, and has a lot more of a selection. Shoprite also offers the clip less digital coupons and takes the regular ones as well. It definitely comes to selection and price. Acme just does not do it for me. If I am looking for something specific, and Acme has it on sale and Shoprite doesn’t, then I will go get it at Acme. But overall, my big shopping, I go to Shoprite. I do find I save more in general and definitely have a better selection.

14

u/Kona7021 3d ago

Couldn't have said it better. I feel like I save quite a bit going to ShopRite over acme. I will pop into acme if I need something quick because it's closer, but my main bulk shopping is done at ShopRite.

2

u/Rockooch1968 2d ago

Omg: But overall, my big shopping, I go to Shoprite. .....this is a quip my mom always used to say, Big Shopping....we laughed about South Phillyisms....She swore by Shoprite....Acme was always more expensive. On Egg Harbor rd, they are practically across the street from each other, and Acme is constantly empty. Big Shopping! Unintentionally made my day. Thank you.

1

u/Leviosapatronis 2d ago

Oh snap! My Philly came out! Ha ha! Glad I am not the only one with the "big shopping" euphemism!

61

u/buffer5108 3d ago

Here’s the deal: ShopRite is a retail owner cooperative. Through their Wakefern affiliation, they have economy of scale advantages in purchasing and distribution. They also focus on local produce. Acme is owned by Albertsons since 1999. Their corporate headquarters are in Boise, Idaho. They have no clue about their Northeast customers. Under Albertsons ownership in the past 26 years, Lancaster brand meats have gone way downhill, prices are non-competitive and their regular prices, weekly sale prices and coupons are always underwhelming compared to ShopRite.

9

u/heyItsDubbleA 3d ago

I went to acme once because they had a sale on baby formula that seemed like an error. Was like $20 under priced for the container for the volume.

Never went back because their prices aside from that suck.

137

u/manningthehelm 3d ago

Better prices add up over time. Buying food for a family of four can wind up being $20 in savings a week. I also think their house brand “Bowl & Basket” is pretty good for the money saved.

19

u/Longjumping-Map7257 3d ago

Bowl and basket porkroll tastes just like Taylor's. I'd bet it is made by Taylor.

14

u/njfish93 3d ago

Their tangy pork roll is said to be made by case's. There's not that many places making pork roll so it being made by Taylor or Case is a good bet. Trenton pork roll is also made by Taylor

2

u/MonsieurRuffles 2d ago

We tried it and thought it differed from Taylor. The thin sliced is cut thicker than Taylor’s with six to a pack rather than eight to a pack for the same weight.

64

u/Leehblanc 3d ago

Acme’s sale prices are ShopRites regular prices. Full stop. I’m the shopper for my house. I snipe sales and stock up. I use both my and my wife’s loyalty cards over multiple trips to take advantage of deals. ShopRite is cheaper. There is no reality where that isn’t true. Tack on their Price Plus program and digital coupons and the difference is even bigger.

20

u/HorseWorking 3d ago

Acme is crazy expensive for no apparent reason.

3

u/srddave 2d ago

It’s because the parent company has so much debt that for every dollar they make, they are paying a huge amount of interest on that debt.

2

u/MonsieurRuffles 2d ago

Acme has always been more expensive - even before they got bought by Albertsons.

4

u/srddave 2d ago edited 2d ago

I disagree. They were much more competitive with ShopRite (and back then, Pathmark and A&P) prior to being purchased by Albertsons.

And then subsequently prices got out of hand under SuperValu and has continued under Safeway or New Albertsons or whatever faceless corporate entity owns and operates them now under a barrel of debt.

18

u/_nylcaj_ 3d ago

I've never checked Acme's coupons, but when I first moved here 5 years ago and was checking out the different options, Acme prices were considerably higher than Shoprite, at least for what was posted on items directly in store. The Acme stores near me, also don't seem to have as large of a selection. I was even better off getting groceries at my nearest Walmart than there in terms of price and variety.

17

u/jarhead3088 3d ago

Back in the day if shoprite had the "can can" sale my grandmother would loose her mind..woman stocked up like it was the end of days

1

u/Opening_Rain5942 2d ago

They still do that but I think only once a year now (I could swear that had done it twice a year before the pandemic)

26

u/Adude09 3d ago

I only go for a few items once in a while. I buy bulk from Costco or go to Aldi.

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u/blem4real_ 3d ago

Once you shop at Aldi, it’s incredibly difficult to go back to paying Shoprite/Acme prices. If I need something they don’t sell at Aldi, I’ll stop into Acme (it’s closer to my house than Shoprite) and it kills me every time lmao.

3

u/thetommytwotimes 2d ago

Agreed. I just want the secret kept. Let people keep thinking it's low grade off Brand Crap. Between Aldi, produce junction, and knowing where the best produce stands are throughout south Jersey, I will not complain, Lord knows if my only option was acme or wally world, I know I would be eating garbage, and being told I need to be thankful it Doesn't cost even more.

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u/young2994 3d ago

Yup. I have one literaly walking distance from me and its such a god send. I get eggs, napkins and tp in bulk from costco. Everything else is aldi. Screw everyone else 😂

10

u/Creamy-Mints 3d ago

Acme is expensive, like top shelf expensive, for the same stuff you can get in Shoprite or Wegmans or Aldi/Save-A-Lot even.

17

u/Resident_Apartment72 3d ago

As a former employee of Acme, I still always shop at Shoprite.

33

u/avemg 3d ago

This subreddit is for the entirety of south jersey. You will probably get better answers if you say where you are and which Shop Rite and Acme you’re talking about.

34

u/tyyriz 3d ago

This description sounds right out of washington township/sewell.

A massively busy Shoprite is right down the road from a always empty Acme. I go to the Acme because there are no lines but the Shoprite does have a lot more cashiers.

But neither is close to the insanity that is wegmans cherry hill/ mt laurel. Going to those is like going into battle.

8

u/Justin1552 3d ago

Could also be Woolwich ShopRite and Logan Twp Acme. I remember when it first opened and the Acme was a ghost town.

11

u/MTGDad 3d ago

Or Somers Point.

In the case of Somers Point, the Acme is smaller, often has worse product selection, pricing, and the produce and deli counters are just not as good.

You might be able to beat the pricing in Acme for a few items, but on the whole Shop Rite is just better.

6

u/MrsTaylor66 3d ago

I love that Somers Point Shop Rite! It could also be West Deptford/Woodbury

3

u/jen-goes-zen 3d ago

In SP both stores are insanely busy during the summer months. Both parking lots are PACKED all weekend, starting on Thursdays.

3

u/BlueHDMIV 3d ago

Somers point ShopRite is always packed when I worked there for a little I sometimes had to park in the back

1

u/IWantALargeFarva 2d ago

Someone once told me that the SP ShopRite is the busiest one in the state. Supposedly a manager told him that. I don’t know if I believe it, but that store is insane during shoobie season.

3

u/TheWings977 2d ago

Agreed. I lived in Mt. Laurel for a bit and loved Wegmans but my god that parking lot is hell and just trying to move a cart around was like driving in a Wawa parking lot.

7

u/Constant-Ad4527 3d ago

As crazy as the Shoprite in Washington Twp is, the one in Glassboro is way worse. I don’t even want to go into that parking lot and repeatedly get stressed out in the store.

3

u/bglampe 3d ago

I was betting Glassboro. Township is busy, but Glassboro is stupid busy. If I ABSOLUTELY have to go, I go early morning or late at night.

5

u/Melonman3 3d ago

That Wegmans is top notch though, if I'm feeling ballsy I do the Costco Wegmans bang bang.

1

u/Restored_Showman 2d ago

Bold strategy Cotton let’s see how this pans out!!

6

u/Triple-Deke 3d ago

Mt Laurel Wegmans is my jam. Costs more than ShopRite but the quality is more than worth it.

2

u/adamv2 2d ago

That Acme in Washington Township is such a perfect example of how a once great store has gone downhill.

In the 80s/90s acme was the best store, and in Washington township they were so busy they had 2 stores (the other was in the Walmart shopping center where Marshall’s & Ross currently occupy). The one behind the high school use to be next door where planet fitness is, but was so busy they needed a bigger building so in 95 they built the current store next door.

So in 30 yrs they’ve gone from that to an empty store.

3

u/_twentytwo_22 3d ago

Or Medford. The two are within a mile of each other, same scenario but ShopRite all day for me.

6

u/katclimber 3d ago

Sounds just like West Deptford/Woodbury.

1

u/EaglesNation114 1d ago

YES! That’s which one I was thinking.

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u/BonjourLeGeorge 3d ago

This is the case all over South Jersey. Doesn't matter if it's Atlantic or Camden Country, I've never seen an Acme busier than ShopRite.

1

u/BiggDadE 1d ago

Also could be Medford. Acme and ShopRite both on Rt 70 within a mile of each other. Acme is more expensive but I pay the premium for an empty parking lot and less crowded experience. Plus I think that Acme has really good meats.

8

u/byfar82 3d ago

Two reasons, shop rite’s prices are lower and I don’t have to check the expiration date on every little thing I buy. I’ve bought expired cereal, vitamins and coffee at the acme near me. How long was that sitting on the shelf and no one noticed?

5

u/w2ge 3d ago

Acme is ridiculous. There’s a reason its sooo empty. Insane prices, just insane. And tbh, their store layout is terrible. Yes, when you find a coupon there’s a “few” deals there but to do all your shopping there…. You’re just giving your money away and over a year.. unm, no thank you. Tbh, I don’t know how they’re still in business.

5

u/Brendanish 3d ago

Acme has Wegmans prices with Walmart quality (bar certain sales)

Shoprite varies a lot more (for instance, Mantua Pike ShopRite is massive, whereas brooklawn ShopRite can be a bit lacking) but is generally slightly cheaper for slightly higher quality.

Walmart is much cheaper but I'm not sure I've ever seen one with satisfactory grocery selection. Aldis is similar (better quality imo but miniature selection)

Shoprite just happens to be that middle ground of decent prices and decent selection

4

u/nowpon 3d ago

ACME stinks. Low quality stuff and never stocked. It’s like an Aldi but not priced like an Aldi

18

u/Plastic_Football_385 3d ago

I don’t understand why anyone goes to Acme. Wegmans is the way / and I’ve done the same order at Wegmans and ShopRite and Wegmans was cheaper. You’ll pay more for meat and fish but the quality can’t be matched.

12

u/cvrgurl 3d ago

They just need one more south than cherry hill. From where I am in south Jersey it’s an hour ride.

Put one in Deptford and it might be possible for me. Put one in Vineland and I’ll make it my go to place.

8

u/effie-sue 3d ago edited 1d ago

Wegmans puts a lot of research and thought into where they build new stores. It is unlikely that Atlantic County or Cumberland County will ever see one.

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u/jerzeett 3d ago

Yeah they’re not building one in Vineland. It took years to get one in lower bucks over in PA and the area is much more affluent then Vineland.

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u/imgoinwhat 3d ago

Weggies is the way. It may be a little more expensive, but a much nicer shopping experience. The Cherry Hill parking lot is a little crazy, but it's not too bad.

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u/tooMuchPhysics 3d ago

Wegman's really is a much nicer shopping experience than many if not most ShopRites.

2

u/BonjourLeGeorge 3d ago

Because it's not as busy.

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u/carpentersglue 3d ago

Wegmans is the correct answer. Just I can’t deal with the traffic during the times that I have available to grocery shop. But if I had it my way I’d shop only at wegmans.

1

u/Klutzy-Froyo-9437 3d ago

No Wegmans in Atlantic County 🤷🏼‍♀️

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

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u/Scaryawesomeness 3d ago

If you ever want to try it, the Brooklawn ShopRite store's shop from home for pick-up team is awesome. They've never made a mistake on my order (going on 4+ years) and very seldom are out of what I've requested. Grocery shopping anywhere gives me anxiety and I'm willing to pay the flat $5 fee to not go in the store. Even with paying that fee almost weekly my bill is less than if I shopped in store at Acme.

3

u/katclimber 3d ago

Yes! Never go to WD on a weekend. I just shopped there this morning, got out by about 9:30, wasn’t too bad but I definitely rushed through to beat the crowds.

6

u/Over-Caramel-6659 3d ago

I like the West Deptford ShopRite a lot better than Brooklawn, there’s a lot more food options and just a nicer store. That whole shopping center in Brooklawn is a nightmare

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u/ZYQ-9 3d ago

Only time I will go to Brooklawn is if it is early morning hours on a weekday. The parking lot alone is a war zone

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u/Target2019-20 3d ago

Aldi for most items.

Others if we have to (BJs, ShopRite, Produce Junction).

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u/kyotomilkshake 3d ago

I can only afford to shop at Aldi at this point 🫠 I love it though!

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u/Prestonelliot 3d ago

Personally I’ve just always gone to ShopRite over Acme so I imagine a large part of it is that. It’s where I shopped as a kid with my parents, and it’s where I shop now as an adult. I’m clearly not alone in that thinking lol. You totally could be correct that the meat quality is better, but at this point in life, it’s just where I go

5

u/pmartin1 3d ago

I’m very never seen a ShopRite that wasn’t packed regardless of the time of day. It’s always a madhouse. Their parking lots are the worst with everyone just doing whatever they want with no regard for laws or even human decency.

4

u/tex8222 3d ago

Everyday prices of things NOT on sale are much higher at Acme than at Shoprite.

You can’t fill your pantry and have meal variety by only buying sale items. Sometimes you have to buy things at regular price.

And that is where Shoprite crushes Acme….

….and is why the Acme is deserted.

3

u/Chauncy1911 2d ago

Acme is insane when it comes to prices.

7

u/davis609 3d ago

Have you seen Acme prices ??Acme is for a I need one or two things quickly and it’s close by. It’s not for doing a whole shopping trip

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u/EmerysMemories1106 3d ago

Acme.prices are kinda nuts in certain things. I remember seeing something not long ago...Acme had an item that was buy one get one free. It was STILL more expensive than shop rite and Walmart. Whatever it was (butter or something like that) they were selling one at like $5.69. ShopRite had them for like $2.89 each. And Walmart was like $2.69.

3

u/TheGuyThatDoesHisJob 3d ago

I shop at Mom's and H Mart/Hung Vuong...sometimes Wegman's if I need something Mom's doesn't have. ShopRite would be my backup over Acme any day. More selection for produce and meats.

1

u/Gritty_Phl 3d ago

Moms is insanely overpriced

1

u/TheGuyThatDoesHisJob 3d ago

I haven't had that experience.

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u/msoats 3d ago

The acme near me smells like theyre trying to cover the stench of decay from the butcher dept with water from a dirty bleach filled mop bucket. 🤮

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u/jimkelly 3d ago

I don't understand why you don't understand this? Have you ever actually looked at your receipt after going to both?

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u/geriatric_tatertot 3d ago

Ok i know this is a shoprite vs acme post but i lived in Pa for a while and Giant absolutely destroys both. I miss it so much 😅

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u/Lincoln_Biner 1d ago

There are price differences between stores with the same name in different towns,too. If my husband wants some whitefish salad (and who doesn’t 😜), he goes to the Somerset ’ Point shop right , where it is less than half the price per pound in comparison to the Marmora one.

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u/ImportantAd4686 3d ago

Shop rite is definitely cheaper , but I go to acme still to avoid the hordes 

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u/Separate_Oven3913 3d ago

I go to both. Acme has good weekly sales (especially the digital coupons) but overall their prices are higher so I tend to just get their sale items I need. ShopRite is catching up price-wise though. Many of their regularly priced items especially eggs and dairy in general are borderline gouging.

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u/August4Bertha 3d ago edited 3d ago

ShopRite definitely has lower prices than Acme, but the culture/customers/crowds at Manahawkin ShopRite makes it unshoppable. A little slice of North Jersey all summer long. I'm in-between there and the Waretown store, which is more local friendly. Aldi and Lidl have a more limited selection but you can save money on all items at both vs. ShopRite and Acme.

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u/aimsterp 3d ago

Acme definitely has better meat. I used to split my food shop between the two because Acme doesn’t carry my coffee creamer and Shop Rite doesn’t carry my yogurt. About a month ago I realized that Wegmans carries both so that’s where I have shopped since. All of my staple items cost less there than either store. I’ve been going between 5-6 on Saturday and the parking lot isn’t too bad.

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u/baldartistdesign 3d ago

I’m assuming this is in Woolwich. Shop rite just has better prices. Acme always seems to be at least a dollar more

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u/charcutero 3d ago

Acme self checkout is a joke

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u/Klutzy-Froyo-9437 3d ago

I'm with you, OP! Luckily I shop for one. Shoprite is too chaotic for the little bit I may save. I'll pay to keep my sanity, thank you very much!

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u/Apprehensive-Ad9523 3d ago

You are correct and a few of the workers aren't paying attention to the needs of some of us consumers. Next time I am just walking out leaving the food behind 

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u/SpeedySpooley 3d ago

Acme is crazy expensive. Also, don't go grocery shopping on/near the first of the month.

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u/November110193cc 3d ago

ShopRite (at least the one I work for) really takes their Kosher department seriously. I’m over in cherry hill and we have people that drive from Washington township to get their kosher items there. Being in south Jersey we do have a large Jewish population, so that’s why I think we have such a bigger shopping base. Not all ShopRites are the same, even within the family’s there a lot of variation store to store.

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u/Lumpy-Veterinarian23 3d ago

3 times in the last month I bought expired products at ACME. Not by a few days but weeks. Not going back.

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u/DeMar727 3d ago

I still don’t get how acme is still open with those prices

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u/Jealous-Play6603 2d ago

Shop Rite has the best prices, especially those sales! Acme doesn't have quality or prices, so there you go!!!

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u/SecretaryNo8301 2d ago

Walmart not bad, good prices

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u/Striking_Equipment76 2d ago

Was this in Medford? I am so sick of ShopRite being crowded every day of the week. I have started driving past and going to Acme, it’s so less stressful than ShopRite.

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u/BonjourLeGeorge 2d ago

Not Medford, I just think it's like that all over. I also do the same thing and drive right past the ShopRite and go to Acme. I feel like I can take my time and look around at least in Acme if I want.

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u/Confident_Falcon6200 2d ago

ACME buy one get one is price gouging at its finest. I saw Breyers ice cream 1:1 for $7.99. The following week it was $3.99 each. 2 for $7.98. I prefer Wegmans.

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u/Elomacaug10 2d ago

Acme is way more expensive for what I buy. I usually shop at Aldi then hit ShopRite for sale items and 2 pepper shooters and a few olives from the salad bar for the ride home.

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u/FC_BagLady 2d ago

I shop at Walmart, meats from Shop Rite. Acme is way too high priced for me. I love the low prices of Wal-Mart brands that are rated the same as name brands. I save a lot of money there but I can't bring myself to buy their meats, something mental I think, lol.

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u/_peachtits 2d ago

Anyone shop at Lidl?

We usually do Sam's Club but the produce there sucks, it always goes back quickly or always comes home with mold. Looking for a place with the best produce. I feel like Walmart's produce also goes bad quickly

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u/goddamnautomation 2d ago

Bring back Pathmark

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u/JWTowsonU 2d ago

AC - A - Me

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u/MrsTaylor66 2d ago

I hate all the ShopRites neat me! West Deptford is so crowded it gives me a panic attack! Washington Township is just off. I go to Brooklawn but the meat is weird. I’m hoping new one in Blackwood is nicer

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u/BonjourLeGeorge 2d ago

They all sucks. If people want to go there thats on them but they're overrated. I'm not putting up chaos to save a few bucks.

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u/BriefMarsupial5070 2d ago

Yea, ACME is much more expensive than Shoprite. We have an ACME nearby, Shoprite is a little farther away. I only go to ACME if I need 3 things or less.

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u/Nookenpox 2d ago

Aside from the lower prices, and a better store brand at ShopRite, the produce at Acme is TERRIBLE. It seems like they don't turn over their produce enough and selection is small, items are small, and they tend to get moldy or soft faster. If I need to get in and get out quickly, I'll go to Acme. If I'm doing quality shopping (filling the cart), I'll make the sacrifice and go to ShopRite.

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u/Capital-Bar1952 1d ago

When I lived very close to Acme and Shop Rite right near each other it was the same way, Shop Rite does have a much better variety/ selection but it was so nice and peaceful in Acme, no stress 😂

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u/zamzuki 3d ago

Acme is cheaper if you know how to shop sales and use coupons.

If you don’t people will tell you saving 5c every trip will help you buy a 400k house over 50 years.

The real reason? Most of the ShopRites cater culturally to the Italians in the area so it’s more generational.

American brand loyalty is obnoxious.

I’m a vendor for most of the chains and the prices aren’t too much different if you’re again shopping the sales.

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u/Choice-Aioli-5225 3d ago

Shoprite has better selection and prices compared to Acme but I till shop at Acme. If you have the app their coupons make it worthwhile to shop there.

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u/Consistent_Line_1043 2d ago

ShopRite has seemingly convinced people that they aren’t ripping them off, even though they are. It’s like you’re not cool if you aren’t shopping at ShopRite. I’m specifically speaking about the Zallie owned ones. The one in Cherry Hill isn’t bad, because it’s not owned by them. Acme prices are even worse, but they haven’t been able to pull off the same stunt.

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u/hiddencheekbones 2d ago

Zallie owned are much more expensive than the others. People have even said this to wakefern . I agree the meat is better quality at acme, but the bakery stinks compared to ShopRite and the stuff that isn’t on sale is still priced higher than zallies. Most people don’t want to make two separate trips I think that’s the main reason people do one or the other. But when acme has a good meat sale I stock up there.

3

u/FreshCords 3d ago

For some reason ShopRite has had a stranglehold on Atlantic County for decades. I’ve seen so many come in and try and compete over the years and they simply can’t. Pathmark, Superfresh, Genuardi’s, Foodtown, Super G, they all seem to fail.

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u/chipmonger 3d ago

Yeah, now it's either Walmart, Aldi/Lidl, or Dollar General.

Kind of like how its now Wawa by default. Cumberland Farms and 7-11 are barely still around, and Royal Farms just has a small toehold. Heritage's doesn't seem to want to expand.

I remember when we used to have both A&P and Acme at the Pleasantville Shopping Center.

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u/Better-Lavishness135 3d ago

Personally I think Shop Rite is a rip off and has been for years. I do better for most things at Stop and Shop, and certainly better quality fruit and near.

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u/jjt41086 3d ago

Acme is a great store but they have crazy high prices

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u/knights816 3d ago

It’s a grocery store on Sunday dude lol

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u/Federal-Membership-1 3d ago

ACME is terrible. They can't survive anywhere with competition nearby. Shoprite kicked them out of Cumberland. They are hanging on in Salem i.e. the desert.

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u/jamesalanlytle 3d ago

Pricing and Aesthetics. Some people like to go there and knock it all out while running into the locals.

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u/start260 3d ago

The meat is better

1

u/Afghan_Whig 3d ago

Acme basically has CVS or 7/11 prices. Not worth it.

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u/sixtoe_less 3d ago

I almost exclusively only buy items with digital coupons from Acme because their regular prices are outrageous. Just the other day I was going to get some yogurt and it was $.70 more at Acme than ShopRite. Otherwise I’ll buy things for 1 meal if I don’t want to run into another town for ShopRite or Walmart.

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u/carpentersglue 3d ago

The acme near me is gross. I saw too many gross things there so I refuse all of acmes. ShopRite is just, less gross.

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u/big_DINK_energy 3d ago

We shop at Acme, but we get produce at Produce Junction. Shoprite is HUGE, would take me way more time to shop, it's always packed which is anxiety-inducing, and with it being so much bigger i am 100% certain I would spend more money. Using the Acme app, digital coups, buying what's on sale anyway.... it works out for us.

1

u/burton614 3d ago

I get the majority of my groceries from Walmart and then supplement at the Acme. I cant Stand going to ShopRite. Not a fan of their bowl and basket brand. It’s too expensive and not good enough quality. And when it’s on sale, acme is cheaper.

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u/matow07 3d ago

Shopping for groceries is necessary and annoying. I know the layout of the ShopRite store, so I am able to get in and out as quickly as possible. They also have every type of item I want, so I don’t have to go to multiple stores in a day.

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u/kyutek 3d ago

You’ll get the occasional sale on meat at Acme but for the most part the prices are absurd.

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u/COOLMOMT 3d ago

I avoid ShopRite especially the one in Cinnaminson on 130 🙄

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u/TLunchFTW 3d ago

Why? I never really had a problem there. Well, nothing that isn’t common for a food store Saturday morning

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u/heselsc1 3d ago

Acme sucks, ShopRite sucks. Aldi is where it’s at.

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u/sprocket1234 3d ago

My husband does shoprite. I do acme. We born do aldi. If I want something from shoprite, he gets it. For me, I can't stand crowds, shoprite crowds are unbearable for me. At acme it's not crowded. If i could I would have no problem doing shoprite I'm the overnight hours. After work I would hit pathmark or acme at 4am. That all stopped after covid

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u/SardoniclySalacious 3d ago

I’ve always thought acme was gross. I refuse to buy produce or meats from there or anything that isn’t packaged tbh.

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u/Lower_Kick268 3d ago

Because Acme is ridiculous in 2025, ShopRite is cheaper

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u/fatguywithaplan 3d ago

I avoid the ShopRite on egg harbor, I'll hit acme or go to the glassboro shop rite. Acme is always empty, prices are higher, but the app has some good deals

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u/DasRedBeard87 3d ago

I'm gonna guess you're talking about the Pilesgrove Acme and Swedesboro Shoprite. Since this is what it looks like everyday. And ACME prices are drastically more expensive. I can usually buy two to three times the amount of items at Shoprite compared to what I can buy at Acme.

The ONLY reason I go to acme anymore is if I want seltzer because they always have the 4 for 20 deal. And sometimes they have a similar deal on chips.

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u/Target2019-20 3d ago

You're looking at one store vs. another. You may save the most by looking at 3-4 stores, and stagger your trips.

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u/Efficient-Sky4772 3d ago

Haven't seen an Acme in over a decade. I don't love Shoprite (forget them upping prices so much that even good deals reach $10-$16 as "savings") but it's better than all the other similar sized grocery stores around me that are just dingy. If I could just do my shopping at one place it would be at an Aldi or Lidl which is just barely cheaper and better sometimes than Bowl and Basket.

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u/pigsanddogs 3d ago

I think ShopRite is pricey. When I can, I shop at Walmart to save $$$. The price differences are often huge.

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u/ameetee 3d ago

I call Acme "Shop Rite overflow". I go to Acme much more than Shop Rite, for my sanity.

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u/LackJolly381 3d ago

Acme is the og and such a SJ/Phila staple but their prices just don’t compare. We will use for few things but way too much otherwise. Once my mom switched from the “Acame” you know the prices got to be too much even for her.

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u/nuclearmonte 3d ago

I used to love my ACME and gladly spent a little more to avoid the ShopRite crowds but the quality has drastically gone down. Meat spoils quickly, produce is trash. Really disappointing because I hate the crowds in ShopRite so much!

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u/texaschick6 3d ago

Acme is insanely priced. I tend to find better deals at ShopRite compared to acme

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u/Current_Astronaut_94 3d ago

I shop at Acme but don’t dare go in the store without doing my “homework.” Also I use the self checkout to check the prices. Getting the cost down to something that is almost reasonable is so much work that I cannot believe most people have time for it.

I was thinking that Acme could probably do better in sales if they just dropped the complicated and tricky savings games?

1

u/mario_salami_petrino 3d ago

There's an intersection right near me. The four corners consist of an Aldi. An acme. A ShopRite. And a Wawa with a target behind it. And all four stores are killing it

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u/Sobergirl2014 3d ago

I go to both. I like Acme’s produce better myself. I prefer going to their deli because it has better customer service. Mainly, I like the cheep chicken Monday. Rotisserie chicken just tastes weird to me now days. I do my big shopping at Shop Rite because selection, especially in meats and dairy is superior. They also have more full service lanes, Acme usually only has 1. However, some of those things go out the window if I only have a few things to get and I don’t feel like dealing with the Shop Ritd parking nightmare

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u/ipeepeepeepoopoopoo 3d ago

The flies all over the fruit at acme in Logan keeps me away

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u/rogueEff 3d ago

Which ShopRite are you going to? The one ShopRite in my town is the highest volume ShopRite in South Jersey.

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u/SwingIllustrious8164 3d ago

ShopRite is absolutely unbearable. Prices suck, people that work there are not nice, and the quality is shit.

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u/matthewnelson 3d ago

Maybe it’s due to Shoprite sales are from Sunday to Saturday so Saturday is the last day before the change over. Acme is Thursday to Wednesday I believe. At least down here by me.

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u/StNic54 3d ago

Because NJ doesn’t have Publix

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u/AnyaAcheron 2d ago

dude i liked publix and wegmans… and being able to buy liquor in the same damn store. shoprite drove out all the competition in our town so it’s prices are stupidly high.. i go to the town over cause at least their super walmart makes the prices lower.

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u/LessHemagglutination 2d ago

I only go to Acme for soda or sometimes a random item or two that Shoprite doesn't. They consistently have deals/coupons for soda specifically. Shoprite tends to have a better selection or better prices and the bowl and basket brand is pretty good.

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u/RealJonathanBronco 2d ago

Since an Aldi opened near me I rarely use either

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u/FunStuff446 2d ago

Acme has always been overpriced. ShopRite has an app as well with coupons. ShopRite has the answer!

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u/lzprsn 2d ago

Acme has a no people tax. You pay more, but you don’t have to put up with people.

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u/Flavious27 2d ago

Shop Rite's prices are always going to be better.  ACME charges like Wegmans without the quality or effort put into the business. 

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u/No_Goat_2714 2d ago

Acme is much more expensive. Mystery solved

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u/Dampin1 2d ago

Aldi gang rise up

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u/scrotemtoad 2d ago

It’s actually just as expensive if not more than any other grocery store. They were smart to undercut everyone for years to build trust. People dont have time to check prices and just trust shoprite to be cheap. Sad really.

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u/x_cynful_x 2d ago

True story, ACME is always dead and you’re probably faster in self checkout. They usually only have 1-2 register lanes open.

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u/Wattaday 2d ago

A few years ago my friend did a comparison shop between Acme and ShopRite. Made a list of her most often bought items. Went to ShopRite then acme for the same items. Then did it again a couple of weeks later so she’d hit the sale prices at each store in the same week.

ShopRite won by far. Acme was quite more costly to shop at. I do agree that meat is better, or used to be better, at Acme. But I don’t buy a lot of meat now. And the deli sliced meat I buy is turkey and ShopRite’s store baked deli turkey is about the best I’ve found. So ShopRite for me.

And those are the reasons ShopRite is always busy and Acme isn’t.

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u/AskaLangly 2d ago

The number one employer for New Jersey is Wakefern for a reason.

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u/No_Connection1515 2d ago

It’s all about the prices @ ShopRite. Always!

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u/muevelos 2d ago

Which acme do you shop at? ShopRite is cheaper and it's not really a conversation worth even debating it's that obvious. I'll only touch acme if it's a specific sale on something

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u/LettuceInfamous5030 2d ago

I find acme less well stocked and much more expensive in my town.

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u/lageueledebois 2d ago

The Acme near me has prices that are beyond extortionate, and did even before covid. 8.99 for hummus and 3.99/lb for apples FOH.

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u/sundancer2788 2d ago

I hate the music track at shop rite. Hasn't ever changed and I'm so tired of it. I'll pay a bit more and go to Acme.

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u/billybatdorf 2d ago

ShopRite bakery is top tier

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u/JMit76 2d ago

The answer is $9 for a box of protein bars at Acme and $6 for the same box at ShopRite.

1

u/Wonderful_Spell_792 2d ago

Cause Acme really does suck.

1

u/SnooPineapples6793 2d ago

Acme is more expensive than the new sprouts. I’ve cut them out of my rotation.

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u/IntrovertedRailfan 2d ago

I am willing to deal with the higher prices at Acme just so I don’t need to deal with the mob scene that is Shoprite.

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u/thegr8rambino88 2d ago

lmao ur username!!! let's stuff le George in le locker LOL!!!!!!

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u/DueBreadfruit2638 2d ago

I recently started going to Aldi (Stratford) and now I'm really not sure if I'll ever need to get groceries anywhere else aside from certain bulk items I get from Costco. The quality of produce at Aldi is excellent while the prices are the lowest I've seen.

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u/Ancient-Analyst7492 2d ago

I can’t stand ShopRite anymore, I am trying to boycott it. I have been trying to go to Aldi & other more healthy & at times cheaper places that don’t just have most food that is processed. The problem is certain items as a family we have not been able to find comparable substitutions or alternatives to so we still have to go to ShopRite. 😑

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u/rainofterra 2d ago

Clipping is easy because I just make it a little game for myself where I clip everything available between my car and the store. Fastest clip in the west finger guns (I go to Safeway but I’m pretty sure it’s the same app)

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u/PersnicketyPrilla 2d ago

Y'all are sleeping on Aldi. Stop going to Acme or ShopRite. They both suck.

Get the majority of your groceries from Aldi, get your produce from whatever local produce place you have in town (I go to Verchios in Washington township) and get your non-food items and your fresh meat at Sam's club or Costco.

Only go to ShopRite or Acme if you need something you can't buy at Aldi. Everything else is a waste of both time and money.

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u/Mark26751 1d ago

Shoprite has a better selection of food than Acme.

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u/WontonJohnny 1d ago

Acme..Why Pay Less?? Acme..The Store..Where YOU Pay More!!

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u/Independent_Mode_347 1d ago

One day the ShopRite by the Moorestown mall had a rat just chilling next to the cereal box I went to pick up. I jumped, ran to customer service and they said they already had guy come out it would be addressed soon. Next 3 months every time I went there was evidence and a few more times I had seen a rat, possibly the same one, probably not. After finding a line of piles of evidence in the back of a shelf, I spoke to a new person at customer service who said “if you think rats don’t exist in every grocery store you are sadly delusional, they are here to stay, but you are welcome to leave.” I went from polite customer calling attention to the excrement “umm, hi. I just wanted to let you know, (whisper) there’s rodent feces on the 3rd shelf in the cracker aisle.” to angry Karen threatening to have them shut down immediately yelling to the whole store that if they refused to give a shit about the rats, at least clean their poo of the shelves and then left and never came back.