Pluckemin Center to get Makeover, New Anchor Store

The status of construction for "The Fresh Market"
anchor store in the Somerset Hills Shopping Center,
as it appeared on Monday, July 15, 2013.
(Photo Credit, Bergeron Images.)
 

The A&P Supermarket which once anchored the Somerset Hills Shopping Center on Route 202/206, at the convergence of Burnt Mills and Washington Valley Roads in the historic Pluckemin section of Bedminster had been a landmark since 1967.

However, time and competition would see it steadily lose ground, as competitors moved into its territory, and as the company failed to adequately modernize its marketing concept. 

Old-time area residents may have been sad to see its demise, but it was time for a change.

Commuters driving through the busy intersection in the heart of Pluckemin cannot help but to notice the complete teardown and rebuilding which is taking place on the east side of the shopping center.

Only the structural steel skeleton was left in place by construction crews, and concrete block walls are now enclosing it.  A banner hanging in front announces, “The Fresh Market – Coming Soon,”  and the store’s opening is expected by November, according to other news reports.

Sounds good:  Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market is part of a growing chain of about 130 stores founded and headquartered in North Carolina since 1982.

An artist's rendering of "The Fresh Market," at the
eastern end of the Somerset Hills Shopping Center,
as it was photographed through the window of the
Valley Pharmacy.  (Photo Credit, Bergeron Images.)

If you live within shopping distance to Pluckemin – as much of Bridgewater is –expect a store no larger than 18,000 square feet, adequate for most of your food shopping needs – not a megastore.

Business Updates, a service of The Boston Globe, not long ago announced that the New England Aquarium is teaming up with The Fresh Market to provide it with a service that “promotes sustainable fishing practices and responsible aquaculture.”

After reading about some of the questionable, unhealthful practices of shrimp farming originating outside of the continental United States, I sure hope so! 

I’d feel a lot better if the bags of shrimp sold in local markets read “from the cool clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, USA,” instead of from some unregulated offshore sources thousands of miles across the oceans.

Thanks for reading.   Stay cool. 

p.s. Before sunset last night, I watered plants and shrubs about our home for about an hour and a half – must have been nuts!  The heat and humidity are brutal.  Relief is on the way.

Went swimming at the JCC this morning, but did only half of the laps that I normally do.  Even the pool water felt too warm!  Shower felt good.