By Joshua Burd
A regional thrift chain is expanding its footprint in New Jersey with a newly signed, 40,000-square-foot lease announced Thursday by Levin Management Corp.
The operator, 2nd Ave. Value Stores, will occupy a freestanding building within the Union Shopping Center, which sits along a highly trafficked stretch of Morris Avenue, according to a news release. It is among the latest in the chain’s roughly 10 stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic area and will offer a selection of clothing, household goods and collectibles.
LMC Leasing Representative Jordan Korris arranged the long-term lease. The store is slated for a fall opening at 2661 Morris Ave., a company executive said, noting that 2nd Ave. has designed the layout to maximize customer experience and to serve as a prototype for future stores.
“In our experience, thrift customers aren’t necessarily loyal to a particular brand, but to thrifting in general,” said George Baltasar, the chain’s chief operating officer. “Markets such as this one — already home to an established thrift store shopping base — are very attractive to us.
“We are extremely proud of our Union store and look forward to introducing 2nd Ave.’s easy, fun and efficient discount shopping experience to local consumers this fall.”
The new 2nd Ave. store will include a library lounge for shoppers who are browsing for a new novel and a hands-on, kids-only play space with an interactive experience in the toy department, the news release said. The operator also touted well-organized merchandise displays akin to a department store and expedited check-out areas.
“This property’s demographics, including a residential population of nearly 150,000 people within a three-mile radius, along with its accessibility, visibility and proximity to a popular Stop & Shop location created an ideal leasing scenario,” Korris said. “2nd Ave. Value Stores targeted this desirable market for expansion, and we are pleased to meet its needs at Union Shopping Center.”
LMC touted the shopping center’s proximity to Kean University and Union High School, as well as major highways such as the Garden State Parkway, Interstate 78 and Route 22.