ShopRite held a press conference today announcing the opening of a brand new 65,000 square foot store on Central Avenue, located behind the current OTB Teletheater near the corner of Everett Road, and down the street from Hannaford and PriceChopper.
ShopRite President David Figuerelli told the crowd of city officials and press, "We're thrilled to be here at this Central Avenue location and help with the renaissance in this area."
Mayor Jerry Jennings said the new store will "transform this block." ShopRite plans to be a significant community partner as well, providing free dietician services and home delivery of groceries, he says.
The ShopRite is the second location in the Capital Region; one opened in Niskayuna in October. The chain has two more locations slated for construction in Colonie and Slingerlands, but Figuerelli was unable to provide any further details.
Asked about the location's proximity to Capital Region mainstays PriceChopper and Hannaford, Figuerelli responded, "I think competition is good. I think at the end of the day the citizens of Albany will benefit from that."
Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central Avenue Business Improvement District, says the new store proves how in-demand the Central corridor has become. "PriceChopper, Hannaford, and ShopRite know where the competition, the shoppers, and the retailers are going," says Capece. "It's all happening here."
The new store will provide 425 new jobs for the Capital Region. More information about hiring will be available soon.
