Weis Markets adds to Pennsylvania store base

Weis Markets is acquiring a pair of supermarkets in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Sunbury, Pa.-based grocer said yesterday that it plans to buy Thomas’ Food Markets SuperFoodtown in Dallas, Pa., and Thomas’ Food Basics in Shavertown, Pa., from T. C. D. Realty Inc. Financial terms of agreement, expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter, weren’t disclosed.

Plans call for Weis to convert and reopen the Dallas store after the deal closes. The retailer said the Shavertown store won’t be reopened.

When the Dallas store reopens, Weis will operate seven stores in Luzerne County. The Shavertown store, converted from the Foodtown to the Food Basics banner in July, is being closed because it’s too small and too close to other supermarkets in Dallas, including the Thomas’ location being acquired and an existing Weis store, according to published reports.

“We have great respect for the operators and associates of Thomas’ Foodtown and Food Basics in Dallas and Shavertown and look forward to continuing to serve the Dallas area,” Jonathan Weis, chairman, president and CEO of Weis Markets, said in a statement. “We look forward to interviewing their associates for possible employment with our company.”

Last Thursday, Weis also completed remodels of stores in Elmira, N.Y.; Gap, Pa.; and Westminster, Md.

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Renovations to the Elmira store include the addition of Weis 2 Go online ordering with in-store pickup; updated décor; an expanded floral department; an upgraded frozen department; and more natural/organic, bakery, meals to go and gluten-free offerings. Weis said a Gas N’ Go fuel center is expected to be completed this fall.

Likewise, the Gap store added Weis 2 Go online ordering and curbside pickup — complementing its delivery service — as well as updated décor, a new milkshake fountain and expanded natural/organic and ethnic food selections. The store added a beer/wine café last month. At the Westminster location, Weis updated the décor and expanded natural/organic, meals to go, gourmet cheese and gluten-free offerings.

At its annual shareholders meeting in late April, Weis unveiled a $109 million capital spending plan for 2019, including a new store in Bedminster, Pa., plus 14 store renovations and the addition of six fuel centers. Since then, the company has completed five remodels, opened one new fuel center and added beer/wine cafés to seven stores.

Overall, Weis operates 198 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia.