"The Future of Shoppers", 10 Years Later

 Note: These opinions/predictions are mine and do not represent the views Shoppers or UNFI. This article also does not possess, nor condone any libel against the two companies.

The former Woodbridge, VA Shoppers store. Taken January 10, 2016.

Happy New Year, Shoppes of Battery Mill readers! Ten years ago today, I published an op-ed to my previous blog, the Shoppers Food Blog. My op-ed concerned the future of Washington, D.C./Baltimore-area grocer Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, with it contextualizing the chain's situation as of 2016 to discuss potential paths the chain might have taken. A part of the blog's initial rollout, the article served as an addendum to my initial batch of posts covering the past and then-present of Shoppers.

As fate turns out, ten years have now been added to the "past" column of the Shoppers Food Warehouse story. So much has happened at SFW from 2016 to 2026 that I could have checked in at any point before or after today. Yet, the paths of those Shoppers predictions have crossed with a revival of this blog at a rather clever time. I thought to myself: Why not revisit that old post of mine? So here I am, doing this.

This op-ed revolves around three questions: What did I get right in that post? What was I off the mark about? What do I see the trajectory of Shoppers' future being? These will be answered in the conclusion, but the details will be revealed in the next few paragraphs.

Shoppers today 

 

The Dumfries, VA Shoppers closing sale: where Shoppers is going, and where they have been.

I will begin this article by writing about where Shoppers stands today, including what predictions made on my 2016 post are relevant to their current state.

As of the time of writing, Shoppers has dwindled to just 17 locations (15 in Maryland, and a staggering 2 in Virginia). I can't speak on their foot traffic since I have not been in any of the remaining stores, but from my visits to Shoppers in recent years, most had average foot traffic - nothing on the level of say, Walmart, Wegmans or Costco. I will say that there might be squandered potential from some of the now-closed stores that likely carried lots of foot traffic.

The last 24 hour store, at the Potomac Yard shopping center in Alexandria, is already long gone. No information exists on any other Shoppers locations open around the clock. 24 hour supermarkets have fallen out of favor nationwide (and worldwide), so a change like this is proportional to Shoppers' trajectory.

Regarding market share, the data I have scraped shows something worse than what they were in 2016. Shoppers does not appear on Chain Store Age's chart of top D.C. grocers, for example, with Weis Markets (largely on the fringes of the Washington and Baltimore areas) and Target's grocery offerings accounting for larger pieces of the pie. The chain is not in company with rivals Giant and Safeway anymore in the listings, as well. According to industry analyst Jeremy Diamond in an interview with Progressive Grocer, there is evidence for Shoppers falling from its longtime 3rd place perch. Metro Market Studies ranked Shoppers as 5th in Baltimore and 6th in Washington (commanding 6% in the latter market) as of 2018. It is likely that the number has plunged further since with the sheer number of Shoppers closings.

From what I've seen, many people talk about Shoppers in past tense when discussing the D.C. grocery landscape. While they continue to operate in some pockets, their store tally has diminished enough that some locals believe SFW is history. Nevertheless, this does mean Colossal Donuts are still in the spotlight, albeit through nostalgia goggles!

Financially, UNFI, Shoppers' parent company has some well-perfoming customers, but the corporation also has their troubles, with some declining results listed in recent times despite steadfast customers. Jeremy Diamond also remarked that Shoppers has invested little into their stores recently.

This all begs the question: How did we get here? Let's rewind the past 10 years of the Shoppers story to find out.

Shoppers from 2016 to 2026

Picking up where I left off a decade ago, 2016 saw changes at Shoppers that would determine their fate for those next 10 years.

Three locations closed their doors that year, including Manassas-Liberia, Towson, and, as pictured above, Woodbridge. This had been the most closings for Shoppers in one year since 2011, when six locations were shuttered. SuperValu corporate saw some shakeups that year. In addition to the CEO change, one of several executive shuffles in these whirlwind years, one of my predictions became somewhat true. 

This would be about the rumor that SuperValu was willing to divest their grocery retail operations, including Shoppers. Save A Lot was spun off in 2016, and has been going down its own... rather interesting path. Farm Fresh, Hornbacher's, and both Shop 'n Save chains followed suit in 2018, all to varying results. As for the rest of my predictions, well, Shoppers (and Cub, as well as affiliated independent grocers) still haven't been sold off as of 2026. I'll get back to why in a bit.

 

The now-closed Germantown, MD Shoppers store, remodeled in 2016. Credit: Coolcat4433

2016 was also a turning point in Shoppers' investment to their stores. Remodels to the Fresh & Healthy 3.0 decor package continued through the end of the year. After this point, the package was retired. This was likely for several reasons. One was that other SuperValu chains had moved on from the package, or were preparing to wind down - even those like ACME, whom had been spun off several years earlier. It was also likely that SuperValu renovated the Shoppers they wanted to keep, while the stores that hadn't been remodeled were marked for closure in following years. Since Shoppers would eventually spiral into waves of downsizing and then occasional investment, this would be the last major remodel wave as of 2016. On a more positivenote, lighting upgrades at all Shoppers stores were conducted around that year. Sure, they were spotty in some places (the front end, for example), but what do you know, some more work was done to these stores. Some have speculated that all such remodeling was to make the chain appealing to potential buyers. I can't substantiate if this is true, but Shoppers indeed would continue to trend towards a buyout in following years, especially as SuperValu had much leftover debt from the Albertsons era.

2017 was a rather stable year for the chain, yet one where changes were happening underneath the facades of the stores. In March, likely in preparation for a sale, the Farm Fresh and eastern Shop 'n Save corporate structures were merged into that of Shoppers.

 

The Shoppers Market concept in Alexandria, VA. Credit: Will/B-More Retail

Remember how I remarked about Shoppers returning to their warehouse roots? This was the year where doubt was cast on that assertion. While the plain remodels of years prior serviced their traditional ethos, their new remodels signified they were going upscale, just as they had in the wake of the Metro takeover. During 2017, Shoppers piloted the "Shoppers Market" concept at a remodeled Potomac Yard store in Alexandria, VA. This concept downsized the floorplan somewhat, but introduced an enhanced modern look based on gourmet supermarkets. In-store restaurants like Caribou Coffee and pop!corn were introduced, a first for the chain. I don't have much more info at present about what these stores included - both, in expected Shoppers fashion, weren't enough to elevate the chain back to greatness.

2018 saw a whopping seven Shoppers close, the most in the banner's history. Several were sold to rival Giant Food, perhaps the first time said chain had taken over a Shoppers store. Widespread layoffs were also in effect at corporate, with several longtime executives leaving. Many speculated that the end was near, and the sales of sister SuperValu chains showed it, even as the parent company was bought out by UNFI.

The Manassas, VA Shoppers during its closing sale.

 

2019 sought to prove their suspicions. In March, widespread rumors of Shoppers' demise were spreading, attributed mostly to new owner UNFI's explicit intentions of leaving retail behind. These rumors were not responded to by UNFI, adding more fuel to the rumor fire. Weeks later, all Shoppers Pharmacies closed, likely to clear these stores for non-pharmacy purposes in addition to setting the stage for the big sale. One or two standalone closings later, the biggest news came that December when 17 closings were announced. The spoils went to German deep discounter Lidl, local chain Compare Foods, or out into the wind as they closed outright. Two additional stores were added to the tally by years' end.

2020 was expected to be the year that Shoppers would go away. Except, the pandemic happened. All that panic buying made UNFI hold off on selling the rest of the stores. An initial stay of 18 months was enacted, followed by an indefinite freeze on plans to sell off Shoppers, Cub and the rest.

In this time, Shoppers continued to close stores here and there. They also made their first deals with Safeway (as told in this illuminating post about Shoppers' decline!), and those stores were turned around for the Albertsons-owned chain in only one weekend.

 

The short-lived revival of the California, MD Shoppers. Credit: Noah Pillor

 

Suddenly, something exciting happened. UNFI tried investing in Shoppers again. In 2022 and 2023, Shoppers opened two entirely new locations, and reopened an additional five closed during the late 2019 round. This included new incursions into Southern Maryland, where they had previously operated only in its population hub of California. Remodels were also conducted to stores again, introducing a brand new decor package.

2024, however, saw a backslide at Shoppers right as things were looking up again. All Southern Maryland locations were shuttered (except for Waldorf). This was likely due to executive shakeups going on around the time that wanted to let Shoppers go again.

2025 meant that even more trouble was brewing at Shoppers. Nine locations closed in the latter half of the year, most for unknown reasons. Despite protests against these closings, Shoppers/UNFI representatives were adamant about leaving those stores behind. All as executive shuffling continues at the parent company.

This is where Shoppers stands as of my writing.

Shoppers tomorrow

The still-open Shoppers in Stafford, VA. Credit: Holcombe of Hidalgo

 

Finally, we have arrived in 2026. What will Shoppers do in the future?

Heading into 2026, things have been quiet at Shoppers. No further plans for openings, closings, nor remodels have been announced. The last time they were in the news was for layoffs being conducted as a result of their recent Maryland closing rounds. Now that a changing of the guard has taken place at UNFI, there will likely be a new, clear vision as to what will be done. Based on the above factors, my predictions for Shoppers this year are as follows.

I see more closing rounds this year, depending on what is going on around each store. For example, a closing may be dependent on what leases are ending this year. Dumfries was closed due to Shoppers opting not to renew their lease there. However, one of 2025's other closings, that being the Germantown location, was the opposite case: it received a lease extension in 2021. Unless it was a short-term deal, that case shows Shoppers isn't waiting for leases to expire. Who knows, though? Maybe other motions are at play or they simply want any excuse out.

Meanwhile, I don't believe any remodels or new store openings will be in order from here on out, with the former item applying to at least the near future. This means there could be a remodel attempt, perhaps to make the stores look more attractive to suitors (as SuperValu did before Shoppers was announced to indefinitely stay put).

As for what will remain open, I see Shoppers in a Kmart/Sears-type situation, where their store count curve extends without touching the X-axis. Perhaps UNFI may leave stores open where no competitors have offered to take over, or ones in cities that fit Shoppers well. Maybe Shoppers will transition into being an independent grocery store brand, as the people at McKay's showed us. Either way, I don't see Shoppers doing much unless it gets sold off; even then, I believe it won't be as significant of a player in grocery markets that have crowded them out. Such is the unfortunate truth, as someone who was there to experience Shoppers at their high watermark.

Conclusion 

Looking towards the future at Dumfries.

Whew! What a whirlwind 10 years it has been for Shoppers Food & (no more) Pharmacy. Looking over the post, I'd say I was right and wrong about half of the time. For starters, I was more than right about there being some closings by 2020. I was off about there being no new direction, other than continued attempts at upscaling Shoppers.

Most puzzling of all, the chain still hasn't been sold off yet. Guess it goes to show that changing regimes at UNFI have really led Shoppers down a strange path!

One more point I'd like to bring up is that the Albertsons brands have mostly remained intact, chugging along without fear of closure. There are other factors at play explaining this divide, but Shoppers and Cub have remained consistent under SVU and UNFI.

Now it is your turn. If you are familiar with this chain, what do you see the fate of Shoppers being? If you are reading this somewhere down the line, what did I get right and wrong about this post? I certainly can't wait to hear your response.

That being said, thank you all for reading, commenting and sharing, especially as I bring this blog into a new year. Next time on the blog, I will return to Publix for a very special feature. Check in everyday for the post!

Safeway - Fairfax, VA: A Place for Marketplace

Welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill: the best is what we're all about! Today we head on over to the safe(way) side and explore another one of the D.C. area's grocery stalwarts. What will this Albertsons-owned chain bestow upon us today?

Photos taken September 26, 2020

Store information

• Store name: Willard Way
• Store number: #4001
• Address: 10350 Willard Way, Fairfax, VA 22030
• Opening date: 1978
• Decor package: Lifestyle 3.0 (pictured: Marketplace v2)
• Features: Deli, Floral, Meat & Seafood Counter, Bakery, Pharmacy, Beer & Wine, Café Seating

Crowning Old Town Fairfax (the seat of the illustrious namesake county) to the north just so happens to be a plain old strip mall. The Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center, as said strip mall is known by, is itself crowned by a stately Safeway. Having presumably relocated from a nearby Marina store, this store has been standing as Old Town Fairfax's built-in supermarket for nearly 50 years. Sharing a wooden shingle-clad facade with eclectic businesses like the Fairfax Surf Shop and Title Boxing Club (pictured), Safeway has fronted the center while surprisingly remaining largely intact over the years.

 

Naturally, with the original 1978 exterior sign intact, and the urbanization of the area, the center has been awaiting redevelopment. Those haven't gone through yet, and as thus, here we are.

As of my 2020 visit, this store sported the second iteration of Safeway's circa 1990s "Marketplace" prototype (not to be confused with this Marketplace). For those not in the know, Marketplace was Safeway's early attempt to expand their stores beyond the constraints of the standard American supermarket. The package sought to add a little color to the plain Safeways of the time, as well as add some upscale elements and trim.

With all that being said, let's take a look at a hidden gem of the Northern Virginia retail scene!

Store tour

We kick off the interior tour with a trip to the florist. I like how this department appears sprawling compared to the more compact floral department stores at other retailers. There's also a handy bit of produce together, with the two departments going together quite often at supermarkets.

 

One may notice that the interior is a night-and-day contrast to other nearby locations. Much of Safeway's local store fleet was bestowed with the Lifestyle decor package in the 2000s and 2010s. The Lifestyle prototype thoroughly renovated each location it graced, replacing everything from the lighting scheme to flooring to departmental layouts. All together, these makeovers made these stores more upscale, with the assorted changes giving the spotlight to prepared food (via the Signature Café brand) and expanding the selection of every other department. Have a look at these remodeled Safeways that show just how thorough these projects were!

 

The same could very well have been true for the Fairfax City Safeway, had the California-based grocer invested in this building. Yet, this one, as of 2020, was a polar opposite. The store retained the largely plain layout schemes of classic Safeway, kept the uniform flourescent lighting strips, and held on to the standard white tile (save for a little effort here). Besides the intricate crown mouldings of the Marketplace era, this has largely been true of this location since its opening.

Side note: I recommend checking out the excellent article, "Ingredients for Survival" from Houston Retail. It's got a contextual history of Safeway leading up to Lifestyle's launch, as well as user contributions all about the ins and outs of the concept!

The pink-clad produce section is up next. One advantage of the vanilla Marketplace decor is that it does make the produce contrast in terms of color. 

Next to the produce area is the bakery. Quite the pairing if you ask me! 

The first actual aisle I have chosen to explore is the magazine/greeting cards section. All your paper needs, right here (save for Pepsi Mini cans). This aisle is standard Safeway fare, and does not have the breaks in the aisles as Lifestyle stores tend to have. I will say, that is a rather tall magazine display.

Zipping down Aisle 2, this is what awaits us at the end. 

Party print & paper, greeting cards... and... greeting cards. Magzines... stationery... gift wrap. And then there's the pharmacy. This pharmacy is a lot smaller than what's in Lifestyle-era stores, lacking the fancy waiting rooms and clinics.

 

Aisle 12 checkpoint cleared! This time, treat yourself to breakfast and bake time essentials. On top we have the aisle marker itself, and below we have a look down into the aisle.

 

 What I appreciate about the marker's design is that it's viewable from four different angles: facing into the aisle and diagonally for perimeter shoppers entering in all directions, as well as facing away from the aisle for customer reference purposes. Additionally, the aisle header describes the categories of food that are expected, making it easy for customers to pair multiple items together for the described need. It's a shame Safeway didn't continue this into Lifestyle and beyond, personally. 

 

Down in the aisle, you can see the Marketplace-era gooseneck signs all intact. Those tend to go missing or be replaced with signage from modern decor packages at many retailers, so it's nice to see those remain from the last major remodel. At the end of the aisle, Safeway hosts the lunchmeat freezers, with a nice checkerboard signage enticing customers to shop for their picnic essentials.

All the m_ats you need for an unforgettable luncheon! I like how older supermarkets would also leave an alcove for departments like these, too.

 

 

Wanna know what goes well with meat & poultry? Beer, more specifically White Claws! 

 Here we are at the corner deli. Sure a lot going on here! Let's dissect it all.

 The first thing to see is the amount of product here. With a small space, it's nice that Safeway uses it well! The next portion is the varied walls and ceiling. It directs people to the counter, as well as partitioning off the department with everything else to the left.

Another forgotten art of grocery retail is the mezzanine. In my mind, it's a good idea to keep watch over the store and add another complex decor element challenge.

Finally, we arrive the at the checkouts, greeted by a sweet Express checkout ad. This sign, like the rest of the package gives off a West Coast vibe, at least in my mind. 

For our last interior shot, we stare down the front end's gallery of impulse buys.Ice packs, sunscreen, and seasonal buys are all available here (the latter being set to Halloween goods due to the time of year). Above, we meet up with the mezzanine again. This setup seems to be more peculiar than what's over the deli, like a catwalk enclosed on all four sides. I don't know if there are any offices above and out above the awning, but it likely could have been there as an observation deck before security cameras were commonplace.

For our last photos of the tour, we take a look at these rare Safeway signs, perhaps dating back to the store's opening (with some updates to match the Marketplace package). 

From what I've seen, it is becoming less common for supermarkets to advertise their in-store features outside. Whether signage costs have risen, delis/bakeries/etc. have become mainstream enough, or retailers would rather let the facade speak for itself, I can't tell for sure.

Conclusion

Thank you all for coming along with me today! In the years since this visit, the store was updated to the current Safeway package, as is the case with lots of local stores. However, said remodel appears to be less thorough than others, and the general vibe remains. Nevertheless, it's great that Marketplace lasted as long as it did here for me to capture it in all its glory. Now the biggest test remains if the store will remain intact in place - the latest plans to replace the center have stalled so far.

Anyhow, see you next time. Happy New Years' to all as well!

Target - Dumfries, VA: New Coat, Old Heart

Welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill, where seeing is believing! Today we head back to the wonderful Virginia city of Dumfries, where we will be embarking on a glorious Target run.

Photos taken July 18, 2023 (cover photo taken May 24, 2015)

Store information

• Store number: T-2017
• Address: 4174 Fortuna Center Plaza, Dumfries, Virginia 22025
• Opening date: October 5, 2005
• Decor package: P17
• Features: CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks, Optical, PFresh, Beauty Blowout, E&E Innovation

Continuing from my tours of the now-closed Shoppers just a few doors down (part 1, part 2), this blog post explores the other anchor at the Fortuna Center Plaza. Located on the bustling Dumfries Road (VA 234) corridor, this Target, along with the rest of the center, serves southern Prince William County with a healthy dose of retail. 

The store opened in 2005 as an overflow for the Woodbridge store near the landmark Potomac Mills mall, helping all of this side of PWC go on their Target runs easier. The store has seen several upgrades, including PFresh and finally a remodel to the current Target prototype. Since Target has noted these remodels as being dynamic to each city's needs, it does beg the question. What has Target opted to modify here? We shall see as we make our rounds around the famous Target racetrack. But first... 

Store tour 

Let's fuel up at the Target Café. I think I'll get some teas from Starbucks and sit down to scroll on my phone for a bit... Oh wait, there's nowhere for me to sit at. On with the store tour, I guess. But not before we take a look at what has happened to the place also known as the Food Avenue.

Well, what could I tell you, half of the space is now devoted to e-commerce fulfillment. This is a change that has happened at nearly every Target which has not reconfigured its cafés in service of the new remodels (whether Starbucks-only, or featuring Taste of Target counters).

Stores like this one were constructed before smartphones and online shopping were both widespread, so it is highly likely there was nowhere else in the store to cram those metal racks of online orders on. This just happened to be a logical spot that was somewhat out of the way, and wasn't heavily trafficked.

There is more I'd like to note about this café, but that will have to wait for later in the post. Nevertheless, this portion of the store has eluded any actual paint work and redecoration - I like seeing that classic P04 magic still at work here! 

For comparison, this is how the area would look like before the furniture was removed. 

The first destination we will visit is the Toys & Games section. This department is mostly unchanged from before the remodel, sans endcap signage and other smaller facets (resets present at every Target store). 

Something one may notice is the ubiquitous red Target stripe is now a light gray, much like the walls from the rest of the store. I cannot tell a lie: the Cornell administration of Target certainly enjoys bending aspects of the stores' interior design that have remained intact for four score and seven years or more.

We now turn around to check some more toys out... electronic ones, that is. This happens to be another plain department, not featuring the black carpet, nor any special displays. This also happens to be one of the few departments where Target keeps the red walls intact during remodels. 

Nevertheless, we have ourselves a decent selection of physical video games in front of us, as well as other tech utilities like Chromebooks and printers. The far side, meanwhile is where the tech help desk is located. It, along with the ubiquitous TV wall, denote the perimeter of Target's tech section. I don't mind its sleek design, but I do miss the camera-focused setup from the store's original opening (approximation here).

From the back of the store, we turn the corner and align on the left-side race track. It is here where we witness the extent of the Dumfries Target's grocery options.

The store received the PFresh treatment around 2011, expanding grocery selections from standard dry grocery favorites to include fresh produce, meat, and more of said dry items. As with the remodel, the department now sports a black and woodgrain theme intended to resemble gourmet grocery markets.

This is now the only grocery option in the center, with Shoppers having shuttered. Food Lion and Lidl have stores nearby, however. 

We make our way back to the front of the store, where we notice the most widely changed department, that being one of Target's several "Beauty Blowout" Innovation concepts. Diagonal displays and a new wooden floor emphasize customers towards the latest trends in body care. Meanwhile, Target's new price scanner is visible one aisle over. I do wish those had maps on them, instead of directing them to the app. You'd think that Target would install the store maps on to the touch screen, but they don't. It would be handier for those without their phone on them, for instance.

On a side note, we're not done with grocery. In the right of the background, we can see the produce department. The lattice is an interesting touch, and matches the rest of the store's design philosophy, much like the previous round vinyl signs did.

Doing a 180 again, we find ourselves looking at Target's "Home" department. This is yet another sign Target took a barebones approach to remodeling this location. There doesn't seem to be a fancy Innovation department at play here, with the standard white gondolas roaming free atop a terrace of white linoleum.

Nevertheless, I appreciate that a piece of the classic Target remains here, adding a needed contrast to the more flashy departments we see above.

Finding ourselves in the middle of Health & Beauty now, we can see two service departments gesturing widely over the low HBC shelves and associated blue signage pieces. To the left of the background we have the ubiquitous CVS pharmacy, originally a Target Pharmacy upon the store's opening.

To the right is Target's eyeglass retailer/optometrist office. The Optical department is a recent addition to the store, coming with this Cornell-era remodel. I'm not asking for the specifics, but I do have to wonder if the Target Optical shop didn't diminish any Team Member services since it likely carved into backroom space.

Finally, we arrive at the registers. And I tell you, there's a lot going on here, even if no one is at these lanes to take our order.

While the register light was changed out following the remodel (to Target's current translucent design), the body of the register is a leftover from the store's original configuration. The Plexiglas dividers are also leftovers, that being from the pandemic era.

Behind one of those Plexiglas dividers we can see the ubiquitous trading card row that has been a staple at Target for years. I find it interesting that these are the normal aisle height, making these stand out far more. I opine this setup can be useful considering trading cards are all the rage these days.

On a final note, remember when I showed the Food Avenue seating area being devoid of, well, chairs and tables? Well, there's even worse news. The Pizza Hut Express and generic café have been walled off with a plain "Thanks for shopping at Target" sign.

Now, not every Target has lost these in the past decade, but it seems to be a veritable trend, and it's a shame this one no longer has these ready-made options. Target could have also done way better than leave a blank wall. At least the white strip and general shell remains.

Conclusion

Thank you all for reading through! I'm posting this on Christmas Day, so I wish you all a fun and festive holiday if you're reading on the very day.

 

I have one more post on the way this year, and from there, we'll turn our attention to 2026. More is going on this blog in the new year too!

Former Shoppers/Fresh World - Manassas, VA: A Store in Three Parts

Welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill, where low prices are only the beginning! Today we cap off Shoppers Week with a look back at a now long-gone Shoppers store. 

Cover photo taken October 3, 2017 by BatteryMill

Store information

• Address: 9540 Liberia Avenue, Manassas, Virginia 20110 

Shoppers

• Store number: #2381 (current), #74/#2674/#052074 (former)
• Opening date: August 25, 2004
• Closing date: August 21, 2016 
• Decor package: Fresh & Healthy 3.0
• Features: Deli, Meat & Seafood Counter, Bakery, Beer & Wine, Shoppers Café, Pharmacy

 Fresh World

• Address: 9540 Liberia Avenue, Manassas, Virginia 20110
• Opening date: November 18, 2016
• Decor package: (Shoppers) Fresh & Healthy 3.0, modified
• Features: Deli, Meat & Seafood Counter, Bakery, Beer & Wine, Shoppers Café

For the fifth and final installment of Shoppers Week, we find ourselves back at the former Liberia Avenue Shoppers in Manassas. This is another location I have covered previously, especially just after closing. However, this is still a busy part of town, and likewise, such an area with prime real estate is bound to continue doing business even after the chain declined under SuperValu's ownership and left. While the site was quickly taken over by international chain Fresh World, not only has the store been continuously running, but there have been significant changes conducted inside and out since. 

Yet, the ghosts of Shoppers past continue to lurk within the store's bounds. What are they, exactly? How have the new building owners adapted to it? What else is there to see? We'll find out shortly.

Store history

The store, ca. 2006-2008. Credit: Tri-Tek Engineering

The Shoppers store's existence rested at the confluence of a fast-growing supermarket chain and a rapidly suburbanizing environment. At the turn of the millennium, Shoppers had wound up under the mighty wholesaler SuperValu and lost some of its original identity, but was still determined to continue their hot streak. Strategic moves like the acquisition of four former SuperFresh (A&P) locations, expansion to Baltimore by means of replacing sister brand Metro, and the continued renewal of existing stores was buttressed by entirely new locations in growing suburbs.

While this wave of phenomenal growth was taking place, Shoppers was already running two locations in Manassas. One was located at the sprawling Bull Run Plaza across town, while another, smaller shop operated at the Maplewood Center along Route 28. Both Shoppers were located within established retail districts in town, with other mom-and-pops and big boxes alike serving hundreds of homes. There was, however, one quieter part of town that would come to the interest of Shoppers Food Warehouse. The eastern side of town, previously removed from Interstate 66, Fairfax County and job centers was about to burst onto the scene. 

As soon as conditions were right and space was exhausted on the Sudley Road (bus. VA 234) corridor, new homes started springing up everywhere east of the railroad tracks. Subdivisions encroached on what were once forests and fields. The addition of new transportation networks like the Prince William Parkway (VA 234/294) and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) also gave a needed jolt to this once sleepy corridor. Liberia Avenue, the road this development occurred on, was also transformed from a 2-lane bypass of Old Town into a 6-lane commercial street. Finally, it was time for retail buildings to rise.

Several developments existed on Liberia beforehand, such as the Davis Ford Crossing center anchored Weis Markets and Staples. However, there was still room for retail and restaurants that could draw audiences in more than a neighborhood, grocery-anchored center. Logically, various chains started making their moves.

Walmart opened across the street in August 2003, beginning a new era for the strip. The Signal Hill Shopping Center, featuring Shoppers, was announced in November of that same year. At last, Shoppers opened their doors in August 2004. Chains such as GameStop, Chick-Fil-A, and Panera Bread quickly followed suit in the same center.

Just as Shoppers set up shop and fed into a cycle of growth along the corridor, a monkey's paw would emerge. The arrivals of Aldi and Harris Teeter, as well as Walmart's Supercenter expansion dealt blows to what was previously the most dominant supermarket on this street. Shoppers' chainwide backslide throughout the 2010s did not cease investment, however. The store underwent a remodel in late 2011-early 2012, updating to SuperValu's Fresh & Healthy 3.0 decor package. Yet, reported lease issues and a transfer of the shopping center from original developer Regency Centers to JCR would be the Achilles' heel for this once prosperous shop. Shoppers would shutter here in August 2016, following rumors circulating since early in the year and the in-store pharmacy closing a few months earlier.

Soon after closing, local international food chain Fresh World stepped up and assumed the space. In November 2016, after some slight work, the two sets of doors on each side of the store were swung open once again. Fresh World has tinkered with the store over the years, adding and modifying departments. Still, a few spectacles remain from Shoppers' past, as we shall see in this post.

This is a story in three parts. One visit from 2020, another from 2023, and now one in 2025 have all chronicled the goings-on at the Manassas Fresh World after taking upon the Shoppers mantle. 

Store tour

January 8, 2020

 

We kick things off in a rather unlikely place: the restroom. I'm not sure if this was redecorated at any point, as it does not resemble the bathroom at the Dumfries Shoppers, though we do see something that dates back to the Shoppers days - one peculiar sign. Keep on reading to see if these findings become a theme.

Next, we head over to the international aisle. While this store is largely comprised of international foods now, there are still plenty 

This aisle still stands to international foods though, as I do recall it takes from a variety of countries (though this store is largely Hispanic-oriented, given the strong local Hispanic community here).

The sign itself was installed chainwide at Shoppers in 2015. Sadly, this meant that a lot of the cool overarching department signs were taken out.

Aisle 12 time! It's always interesting how new chains that move in replicate the old tenant's style with markers like these. Shoppers' aisle markers remain, albeit some are quite faded now.

 

Something else seen in the photos are those burnt out lights. Throughout this set, it will be a recurring sight throughout that many ceiling lights have burned out, or are on the verge of losing their spark.

Now we glance over at what was once the health and beauty department in Shoppers' time. This place, as of 2020, hosts a scattershot mix of merchandise ranging from paper towels to condiments, and baby food to portable appliances. Yet, the lower gondolas from Shoppers and gooseneck signs still hang on.

Beyond the aisles, though before the former pharmacy space, we can witness a green crown moulding. Underneath are a few spaces reserved for stores-within-stores, though none were occupied at the time. These were constructed by Fresh World, and I find it interesting that the paint colors match what Shoppers put in. In the far background, the front end of the store stands.

From the Vineyard... we can see a model windmill, some bottles of corn oil, and a few fixtures scattered in this corner that once hosted alcohol products from around the world.

June 12, 2023

Jumping ahead to 2023, we see Fresh World's cart collection. I must say, these are well-polished (reminding me of what TJ Maxx/Total Wine have in their fleet). Shoppers' cart sign is another artifact that survives. How lucky!

 

We enter the interior, all to witness another Shoppers-era classic. This one's just a small trash can helped by an external set of wheels. How convenient! 

 

It might not be branded "floral" anymore, but we still can buy things that come from flowers here! To the right you can peek at Shoppers' old "Saving Zone", and the slatted floral walls survive. The entire floral cooler has been dismantled to the left, leaving an open wall between the perimeter and the Shoppers Cafe. 

Fresh and ready veggies for you and for me! Again, here we have a category marker left over from Shoppers. It's interesting how sometimes, they don't elect to take out small items like these. Other than that, one can tell the ceiling lights have burned out here - things were much brighter when Shoppers was here, that's for sure. Though this could very well be a stylistic choice, too.

Moving across the "grand aisle", we turn up on the Seafood shores. While sticking true to its promise, restaurants run by outside tenants have operated here, including to the left. We see several more Shoppers throwbacks here, including those ca. 2009 departmental pennants (pictured in orange),  the multilingual department banner, and the unearthed "sea fresh" sign from Shoppers' storage.

Under the lowered ceiling, none of the previous deli grab and go/fountain counters exist anymore, replaced by pallets and displays. What we do have here, however, are tanks larger than what Shoppers had to offer in their day.

As previously discussed on this blog, Shoppers' Fresh & Healthy 3.0 remodels homogenized the once colorful tile floors of stores with the mid-2000s "Real People. Real Value. Real Smart."/"Smart Shoppers Shop Shoppers" decor package. This example, however, eked its way into the remodel. Perhaps it might have been because this particular implementation had no sign, or maybe they forgot to change out tiles. But hey, I'm just speculating.

Bread... or wine... or beer? Entering the bakery, it seems Fresh World has done a reset to move their alcohol products here. Poetic, in a way.

Fresh World and Shoppers signs collide outside the bakery/lunchmeat alcove.

Zipping through International, we witness the changes to this department. During Fresh World's time, this aisle has appeared plainer than what Shoppers had in its time.

I believe the drink coolers are a post-Shoppers addition. One other thing that does still stand from Shoppers is that black and teal departmental sign, as of 2023.

Now, we take a look at the meat department. This is perhaps the most unchanged part of the store from the Shoppers years, with only minimal fixture swaps and signage changes.

Aisle 12, we meet again! As we approach Frozen and the left side of the store, we take a look at what departmental changes Fresh World has made. This place is now home to some different merchandise, now that the Dairy sign has been dismantled, that being spices and chips.

Finally, we are in the corner of the store. Throughout most of Fresh World's tenure, this part of the store has almost never been set up for customers to shop in. From my recollection, it either has been filled with pallets or simply full of empty and turned-off freezers.

Looks like the "infinity cooler" has been sadly made finite.

Somewhere along the left side of the store (don't remember where this was; likely near frozen), a large chunk of Shoppers history lurks: the slatted wall. Once adorning stores all over, the chain made sure to wipe out nearly all traces as stores progressively remodeled. Yet, they just couldn't help but hold on to this one!

We turn our attention to the former health & beauty department's environs. Nothing much has changed here, though I'd argue it's a little cleaner than previously.

The former beer & wine corner, now stuffed with more fixtures than before.

Beyond the Bounty, we can see a glimpse into the former bank space. This started out as a Provident Bank and converted to M&T Bank when these chains merged in 2009. Largely underutilized since 2012, when M&T quietly closed most of their Shoppers in-store banks, it appears to have been rented out to other tenants for a time during Fresh World's tenure. See what you can find from those Provident/M&T Bank days!

Here we see the former pharmacy, with blue-light cases and frozen food coffins, as well as the lattice doors strung down. This looks to have been a store-within-a-store at some point.

Store-within-a-store setups are common fixtures at international supermarkets like this one. These range from sportswear shops, to financial services, to travel agencies and more. It's something eclectic that I definitely wish was replicated more often in conventional American supermarkets!

Would you look at that? Another Shoppers relic, this one stuck on one of the old pharmacy doors!

To the left are some of those underutilized store-within-a-store spaces discussed in the 2020 chapter.

Essential Everyday in the 10th aisle! Hard to believe these are just about the same products you could get here 10+ years ago. Current owners UNFI distribute to a lot of independent shops, yes, but this is crazier to think about.

June 21, 2025

Construction work? Where could Fresh World be steering their boat towards? Well, it appears that the space is being subdivided.

When I visited last year, I was puzzled by the addition of a new wall near where pharmacy/dairy/frozen were located. I had thought that it was temporary, or that it was just Fresh World reserving said space for more backroom storage. Turns out, the shopping center's owners have chosen to sublet a chunk of the store to potential new business, and Fresh World has adjusted accordingly.

 In the next photo, we'll see what it looks like on the inside.

I could tell Fresh World was done with that space as years of continuous disinvestment made the pattern clear. The potential tenant spaces that were in front of the Shoppers pharmacy weren't being filled either, so it was high time to consolidate. I could also tell that no doors on the salesfloor existed into this area, so it was lights out for the space. A shame it is indeed that we might not be getting this store in its entirety ever again.

Fortunately, we have a few Shoppers gooseneck frames intact, with a few of the actual signage slips holding strong, too. 

Around the old pharmacy, Fresh World has built spaces for tenants displaced by the store's downsizing. Only two of the projected six tenants have entered so far, with the rest being used for Fresh World stock.

Now, where would frozen foods go? Near International, apparently. I'm pretty sure this is where frozen foods have been since the store relaunched as Fresh World. These look to me like old Food Lion/Bloom coolers based on the structure and color.

Conclusion

What surprising changes Fresh World has undertaken to one of the Washington-area titans' former stores! International stores are treasure troves of grocery retailing past, and you'll never know just what to expect at them. Speaking of the store itself, I'll make sure to keep a tab on what comes next to the center.

That being said, thank you for reading through Shoppers Week! I will be posting content from other retailers in the coming weeks. More Shoppers-related content will still be posted as well, so keep your eyes out for that! Last but not least, I certainly wish Shoppers all the best as they plan their next moves under UNFI. Good luck to this historic D.C. area retail chain!

Bonus: I won't be placing a bonus photo today, but I have a video related to the topic. Here is a view of the store as of 2010, before the remodel! (warning: language)