Courtesy of Stew Leonard’s
While Sears shoppers may be disappointed if the anchor store downsizes its Paramus Park mall location, fans of Stew Leonard’s will be happy to learn that the chain may be opening a grocery store in the vacated spot. The store, with locations in NY and CT, is known for its animatronics and costume uniforms.
While the grocer’s plans haven’t been confirmed, the company has applied for a permit in Paramus Park mall (alongside a 12-screen movie theater) in the Sears location, which has been around since 1974. While Sears plans to relocate to a separate building at the mall (currently the Sears Tires and Auto Center), Stew Leonard’s would occupy 60,353 square feet on the ground floor, with the movie theater located on the second.
Stew Leonard’s opened in Norwalk, CT in 1969 and places emphasis on fresh foods and produce. The store carries around 2,200 items (most grocers carry around 45,000) and has bakeries, butcher shops, fresh seafood and buffets.
Plans for the new store show an outdoor farm silo, a wine department, outdoor displays and customer seating and fresh food stations, including a sushi bar and farm-style produce bins.
A spokeswoman for the company told NJ.com that they weren’t currently making an official statement about the possible expansion.
Stew Leonard’s NJ wine stores are located in Paramus, Clifton and Springfield.
