If you’ve ever lived in Northeast Philly, you know the three-point intersection of Oxford, Levick, and Martins Mill Road is a chaotic little ecosystem. It's the kind of place where traffic lights feel more like suggestions and everyone is in a rush to get somewhere else. Right in the thick of it sits Lawndale Plaza, and its beating heart is the Shoprite Oxford and Levick.
Most people think of it as just another grocery store. They’re wrong.
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Honestly, it’s more of a community survival hub. Owned and operated by the Collins family—specifically under their Collins Family Markets banner—this isn’t some faceless corporate monolith. It’s part of the Wakefern cooperative, which basically means it’s a family-run business with the buying power of a giant. That distinction matters because it explains why the store feels the way it does.
The Reality of Shopping at Shoprite Oxford and Levick
Let’s talk about the layout. 6301 Oxford Ave is a massive 63,000-square-foot space. That’s a lot of ground to cover when you just need a gallon of milk. But unlike some of the older stores in the city that feel like dark tunnels, this one is surprisingly bright.
The produce section hits you right at the door. You’ve got the usual suspects, but what actually sets this location apart is the Halal meat section. In a neighborhood as diverse as Lawndale and Oxford Circle, that’s not just a "feature"—it’s a necessity. You’ll see people from all over the world debating over the best cuts of goat or lamb. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s real.
Wait. There’s a catch.
If you go on a Sunday afternoon, be prepared for a battle. The lines for the deli can be legendary. I’ve seen people wait twenty minutes for a pound of chipped ham. Is it worth it? Most locals would say yes, mainly because the prices here usually beat out the ACME down the road.
What You Need to Know About the Pharmacy and Services
People often overlook the Shoprite Pharmacy at this location, which is a mistake. It’s tucked away but runs like a well-oiled machine compared to some of the standalone drugstores nearby.
- Phone: 215-744-0800
- Hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with shorter weekend windows.
- Convenience: They handle the standard stuff—Farxiga, Ibuprofen, Atorvastatin—but the staff actually knows the regulars by name.
Then there’s the Too Good To Go program. If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re missing out. The store participates in this app-based service where they sell "Surprise Bags" of prepared foods or groceries that are nearing their sell-by date. You pay maybe $7.99 for about $24 worth of food. It’s a bit of a gamble, but for a quick dinner of rotisserie chicken and sides, it’s a steal.
Dealing with the "Northeast Philadelphia" Factor
Let's be blunt. Shopping at Shoprite Oxford and Levick requires a certain level of mental preparation. The parking lot is a masterpiece of poor design. Between the Dunkin' Donuts traffic and the people trying to squeeze into Wells Fargo, finding a spot near the entrance is like winning the lottery.
I’ve heard the complaints. "The staff is cranky." "The self-checkout is always broken." Look, it’s a high-volume urban supermarket. The employees are moving thousands of people through those aisles every single day. If you go in with a "customer is king" attitude, you’re going to have a bad time. If you treat it like the neighborhood crossroads it is, it's actually a pretty efficient experience.
Pricing and the Digital Coupon Trap
Here is where most people get tripped up. Shoprite is famous (or infamous) for its digital coupons.
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If you don't have the app synced to your Price Plus card, you are effectively paying a "lazy tax." I’ve seen prices jump $2 per item at the register because a coupon didn’t load. It’s annoying. You’ve got to be proactive. Pro tip: Check your "Can’t Miss" deals before you even step foot in the store.
The Collins family does a lot for the community through their fund, focusing on hunger and violence prevention. It’s easy to ignore that when you’re staring at a long line, but that money stays in the neighborhood. That’s more than you can say for most big-box retailers.
Practical Steps for a Better Trip
Don't just wing it. If you want to survive Shoprite Oxford and Levick with your sanity intact, follow these rules.
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- Time your visit. Avoid the 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM rush. If you can get there at 7:30 AM on a Tuesday, the store is yours.
- Use the ShopRite app. Seriously. Load the coupons before you get to the register. The cell service inside the store can be spotty, and trying to load a digital coupon while a line of people stares at you is a nightmare.
- Check the circular. This store lives and breathes by the weekly ad. If it’s "Can-Can Sale" time, expect the shelves to be cleared of corn and black beans within hours.
- Explore the peripheral shops. Since you’re already in Lawndale Plaza, hitting Wingstop or the Wells Fargo ATM makes it a one-stop trip.
This store is a staple for a reason. It isn't perfect, and it certainly isn't fancy, but it reflects the gritty, hardworking spirit of Northeast Philly. Whether you're there for the Halal butcher or just a "Surprise Bag" from the bakery, it's a foundational part of the Oxford Avenue corridor.
Go early, have your app ready, and don't expect a quiet stroll through the aisles. It's a busy place because it works.