Stop and Shop Closing in Toms River: 7 Essential Facts Locals Need to Know

Quick summary

News Updates: Stop and Shop has announced it will close its Toms River (Route 9) store in late spring 2026, after deciding not to renew the lease because the location “was not meeting financial expectations,” a company spokesperson said. The retailer will continue operating the store through the spring and says associates will be offered transfers to other locations. Here are the key facts, local reaction, and practical guidance for shoppers and employees.

1) The official announcement

Daniel Wolk, External Communications Manager for Stop and Shop, confirmed in an emailed statement that the company “has made the difficult decision not to renew the lease for our store located at 2360 Lakewood Road,” and that the store will remain open through late spring 2026. All associates will be given opportunities to transfer to other Stop and Shop locations.

2) Where the store is and why locals care

The store sits on Route 9 near Route 70 in a shopping center that includes Buy Rite liquor and Dollar Tree. For many neighborhood shoppers the Stop and Shop is the most convenient grocery option; a nearby customer told reporters she was “really bummed out” and dislikes the next closest option (ShopRite) because it’s often crowded.

3) What this means for employees

Stop and Shop says affected staff will be offered transfers across the chain’s local stores. If you work there:

• Ask management for the written transfer policy and timeline.
• Request details about seniority, job matches, and any severance/assistance options.
• Check local job boards — other area grocers sometimes hire in the wake of a closure.

4) The store’s troubled year: inspections, fines, and a fire

This location — and Stop and Shop’s Ocean County operations — drew scrutiny earlier in the year when county investigators found mislabeling and improper handling of meat and poultry. The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs and Health Department reported products with misleading display dates and a move away from in-store butchers toward pre-packaged offerings. Stop and Shop agreed to a consent settlement, paying $75,000 in fines and committing to stricter safeguards across its New Jersey stores.

Earlier in the year a mechanical malfunction caused a shopping-center fire that temporarily closed the plaza, another factor that may have affected customer traffic and local confidence.

5) The bigger picture: Ahold Delhaize’s restructuring

Stop and Shop’s European parent, Ahold Delhaize, announced plans last year to close dozens of underperforming outlets nationwide as part of a strategic reshuffle. The company closed 32 low-performing stores and redirected capital into improving remaining locations — a move that provides corporate context for local lease decisions like the Toms River closure.

6) Shopper alternatives & practical tips

• Nearest options: ShopRite and other local supermarkets — be prepared for crowds near holidays.
• Pharmacies & Dollar stores: For quick staples, consider smaller retailers while you plan bigger shopping trips.
• If you rely on delivery/pickup: Check your Stop and Shop app for changes to pickup windows or whether other nearby stores will take on your orders.

7) Community impact & what to watch next

Closures can ripple through a neighborhood — fewer jobs, less foot traffic for small businesses, and longer trips for grocery shoppers. Watch for:

• Official closure timeline updates from Stop and Shop.
• Local council or economic-development responses (sometimes cities recruit new tenants).
• Community job fairs or transfer assistance events hosted by the company.

FAQ

Will Stop and Shop pay severance?
Company policy varies. Employees should request written HR guidance about transfers, severance, and benefits.

When exactly will the Toms River store close?
Stop and Shop says it will operate through late spring 2026; check the store or company press releases for a firm closing date.

Why is this store closing?
Stop and Shop stated the lease won’t be renewed because the store “was not meeting financial expectations.” Past health-inspection issues and a shopping-center fire likely affected performance.