If you’ve lived in the Gloucester Township or Clementon area for a while, you know the drill. For over 50 years, the ShopRite of Laurel Hill was the reliable, if slightly cramped, go-to spot for groceries. But things changed fast in late 2025. The Zallie family, who has run the local grocery scene for generations, finally pulled the trigger on a massive upgrade. They moved the whole operation down the street to the old Kmart building.
The new ShopRite Blackwood Clementon Road—officially known as the ShopRite of Cherrywood Plaza—opened its doors on December 7, 2025. It’s not just a grocery store; it’s an 85,000-square-foot behemoth that makes the old Laurel Hill location look like a corner deli. Honestly, the scale of it is a bit much to take in at first. But for anyone who spent years dodging carts in the tight aisles of the old store, this place feels like a luxury resort.
What’s Actually New at ShopRite Blackwood Clementon Road?
The move to 1468 Blackwood Clementon Road wasn't just about more floor space. It was about modernizing the way people in South Jersey shop. You’ve probably noticed that grocery stores are trying to be everything to everyone lately. This location takes that to the extreme.
First off, let's talk about Zallie’s Fresh Kitchen. This isn't your standard "lukewarm chicken under a heat lamp" situation. They have a full Asian Wokery and Sushi Bar where you can get made-to-order meals. There’s a hot food bar that actually rotates its menu, and a grilled selections area. Basically, if you don't feel like cooking, you can eat a better meal here than at half the fast-food joints on the Black Horse Pike.
They also added an indoor café. It's weirdly nice. You can grab a coffee, sit down, and actually decompress before you tackle the rest of your errands. Plus, the International Cheese Department is massive. If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about artisanal brie or aged cheddar, you’ll probably spend way too much money there.
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The Pharmacy and Daily Logistics
One of the biggest pain points at the old location was the pharmacy wait times and the parking lot chaos. The new setup at Cherrywood Plaza handles this a lot better.
- Pharmacy Hours: Generally 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends (usually closing by 3:00 PM on Saturdays and 1:00 PM on Sundays).
- Store Hours: The main floor is open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM every single day.
- OPD (Order. Pickup. Deliver.): They’ve dedicated a huge chunk of the footprint to online orders. You can pull up, and they bring the groceries out to you.
The pharmacy team at the ShopRite Blackwood Clementon Road location (NPI: 1215042098) has stayed largely the same, which is a relief for people who have been seeing the same pharmacists for a decade. They still do immunizations and personalized care, just in a much newer, cleaner space.
Why This Move Mattered for Gloucester Township
South Jersey residents are picky. We like our traditions, but we hate being stuck in the past. The Laurel Hill ShopRite was a landmark, but it was showing its age. By moving into the Cherrywood Plaza, the Zallie family effectively saved a "dead" retail space—the old Kmart had been a bit of an eyesore for years.
There was some initial skepticism on Reddit and local Facebook groups. People were worried about the traffic on Blackwood Clementon Road, which is already a nightmare during rush hour. And yeah, the parking lot is a zoo on Sunday mornings. But the consensus seems to be that the trade-off—a state-of-the-art store with actual elbow room—is worth the extra two minutes of traffic.
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Community Impact and the Zallie Legacy
The Zallie family has been in this business for over 50 years. They aren't just some nameless corporate entity. Through the Zallie Community Foundation, they’ve funneled a ton of money back into local South Jersey nonprofits. You’ll often see "Partners In Caring" stickers all over the store.
This isn't just marketing fluff. They actually support the Food Bank of South Jersey and various hunger-relief agencies in Camden and Gloucester counties. During the grand opening, they even had live entertainment and a visit from Santa, making it feel more like a community event than a corporate launch. It’s that "family-owned" vibe that keeps people coming back even when there’s a Walmart or an Acme nearby.
Practical Advice for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning to head over to the ShopRite Blackwood Clementon Road, here are a few things to keep in mind to save your sanity.
Don't go on Sunday at 10:00 AM. Seriously. That is peak "everyone in Gloucester Township is here" time. If you can, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. The aisles are wide, but the checkout lines still get long during the post-work rush.
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Use the ShopRite App. The digital coupons are actually worth it, and you can clip them while you're standing in the aisle. Also, check out the "Order Express" kiosk if you want deli meat. You can order your Turkey breast, go shop for ten minutes, and pick it up when it's ready. No more standing in line behind the person ordering four different types of thinly sliced ham.
If you’re looking for the liquor store, remember that the ShopRite Wine & Spirits is a separate thing but usually nearby. For this specific location, you’re looking at the broader Cherrywood Plaza ecosystem.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the ShopRite App and link your Price Plus card before you leave the house to snag the latest digital deals.
- Check the Weekly Ad specifically for the Cherrywood Plaza location, as they often have "Grand Opening" or "New Store" specials that other locations might not carry.
- Try the Sushi Bar for a quick lunch; it’s widely considered one of the best "grocery store sushi" setups in the area.