written by Tom Sullivan
Located along Route 35, just a few traffic lights away from the Garden State Parkway, is a shopping center that, at one time, was among the only shopping centers in the area. But as more traditional big box and national retailers moved into the area, this shopping center all but died. While some shopping centers lost an anchor or two, this center had an incredible assortment of retailers that did not survive the competition in the early to mid-90’s.
Arguably, the main draw of the center was Service Merchandise. From my childhood, I have many fond memories of this store as an eceletic retailer where one could get boxing gloves, a camera, a stereo system, and a watch. In this area in the late 80’s, if you needed electronics, you went to Service Merchandise, (Nobody Beat’s) The Wiz, or Crazy Eddie’s. While the chain went under for, I’m sure, more than a few reasons, the strongest threat that they had was the increased competition from chains like Wal-Mart and Best Buy.
The second doomed retailer was Rickel. Rickel was a northeastern-based hardware store. A little larger than the neighborhood hardware store, but not large enough to compete with the likes of Home Depot. After a merger with competitor Chanel, the chain could not survive and folded in the late 90’s.
Then we also had Herman’s World of Sports, which seemed to be the best place to go for sports equipment or merchandise. Increased competition from retailers like Sports Authority eventually killed this chain.
The last piece of this shopping center that didn’t survive was a Roy Rogers location. After a sale to Hardee’s, and an unsuccessful venture into the Mid Atlantic by the Hardee’s brand, this Roy Rogers location eventually closed. (I still think Roy rogers is my all time favorite fast food resturaunt.)
Interestingly, this center was also home to an Odd Lots. Although Odd Lots still exists, as Big Lots, this particular location closed a few years ago.
Around 2000, this center was a ghost town. Odd Lots has become a children’s discount clothier and Herman’s World of Sports was now a carpet store. The former Rickel and Service Merchandise locations stood vacant, leaving more than half of the center empty. After 2000, Staples moved into the former Rickel location while McDonalds eventually opened up in the former Roy Rogers location.
While the Service Merchandise location has stood vacant for almost a decade after the chain went under, it is finally seeing signs of life as construction is under way on a new Foodtown supermarket which looks to open later this year.
Some photos of the construction:
I’ve always been fascinated by how this one shopping center seems to have the worst luck. No other shopping center in the area saw so many retailers go under or sat vacant for so long. But this is an interesting look back and I’m sure there are lessons to be learned from all of these retailers who did not make it in face of increased competition.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
This shopping center is cursed!!! Really, in todays times without multiple major retailers it will be hard to compete without a substantial spend from the landlord. I think a Foodtown is a good fit.
The Staples in this center always seems quiet. The Staples by the Bed Bath & Beyond on Kings Highway & Route 35 sees much more action. The two stores are only 3.3 miles apart on the same State Route 35. I don’t know which came first but I would be suprised if the Hazlet Staples extends past its current lease.
From this Hazlet location: with shoppers only a few miles further North on 35 going to the Staples on Route 9 in Old Bridge and shoppers South on 35 and anything Keansburg or South on 36 going to the Middletown location I don’t see how they can be profitable. How many pencils can people in Hazlet, Keyport, Cliffwood, Union Beach and Matawan really need? Moreover, if Hazlet Staples closes they’ll still probably be Staples customers.
Any insight as to what will become of the old Bradlees on Route 36. The location has been vacant for years.
May 9th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
My sources tell me that there is quite a bit of effort behind this new Foodtown location. This could be the type of anchor, around here, that could revitialize that shopping center. They are committed to this center for the long term. Perhaps their opening will lead to a shake up of the other tennents.
As far as the old Bradlees on Route 36, last Summer there was an Planning Board meeting in Hazlet in regards to that property with Stop & Shop attatched. What the details of the meeting were about, I don’t know. Are they planning on moving their location from just up the highway? Could be.
Had heard from a few sources that Wal-Mart eyed the property a few years ago, but due to enviromental concerns, the deal never materialized.
More on that here.
May 9th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I called on the Bradless property a few times interested in purchasing it. Last time probably 2 years ago and the broker seemed very disinterested. They had claimed it was under contract way back then. The only action that property has seen since is from 18 wheelers and cops taking a snooze in the lot.
May 27th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
A Walmart would revitalize the area on 36. The area needs a big type of variety store wher you can get pet food, or tires or a toy for the kids.
May 27th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
AHY IDEA ON THE VACANT STORES ON 35 - HOLDEL TOWNE CENTER?
May 29th, 2007 at 12:15 am
It appears that there is a lot of activity in the Holmdel Towne Center these days and that the entire strip will soon be at the highest occupancy rate in years.
The former Wiz location has been subdivided into 7 or 8 smaller stores. Jos A. Banks, a men’s clothing retailer, is the first location to open. Confirmed tennants also include Cold Stone Creamery, Fatburger (eatery), Salsarita (eatery), and a bank.
The space left vacant by the Party Warehouse and PharMor/RXPlace was under contract to LA Fitness who proposed a gym there. LA Fitness did not get the variances that they needed from the Zoning Board (I believe they needed to extend the back of the building). I do not know if LA Fitness has redrawn their plans or if they have backed out of the center completely.
I believe there was a year long hold up over development there due to the town requiring new sidewalks to be put in along Route 35. These went in during the Fall/Winter and that allowed the development to continue.