Three Tops Friendly Markets Get Multimillion-Dollar Makeovers

Tops has completed major renovations at three of its New York stores. On May 10, the Williamsville, N.Y.-based grocer revealed the completion of a $2.9 million renovation at its store at 6914 Erie Road in Derby. Today, Tops announced the completion of $1.65 million renovation project at 6272 Furnace Road in Ontario. The official ribbon cutting on a third renovation in Dansville is slated for later this month, Tops told WGB in an email.

Part of the company’s $40 million dollar capital improvement plan, together these refreshes represent a total of 16 major renovations for the supermarket chain since early 2020.

Nearly everything inside and outside of the store—including the gas station in the parking lot of the 65,000-square-foot Derby store—has been touched by the refresh, the company said. From updated new exterior paint and an enhanced facade to new interior decor, energy efficient equipment, digital menu screens and LED lighting, the renovated store has a new look and enhanced services. State-of-the art self-checkouts added during the renovation will help to expedite shopping.

“With all of our new amenities, our expanded signature floral, new fresh fried doughnuts and custom cakes, to our wider selection of specialty and imported cheeses to an expanded array of local beers, guests are sure to enjoy all of our enhanced offerings,” said Dave Brown, store manager for the Derby Tops, in a statement.

Other highlights of the newly remodeled store include the expansion of Tops’ deli and carryout cafe areas offering more on-the-go menu items and affordable restaurant-style options as well as a new Spot Cafe featuring comfortable seating; a coffee, tea and pastry menu; and free Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the produce area includes a new fresh prep cut fruit and vegetable station.

Tops partnership with over 200 local growers, including Zittels, MCR Farms in Brant, and herb farmer D&J Brawdy, brings fresh local produce straight from the farm in-store. Tops also supports product grown by New York State farmers who adhere to the New York State Grown and Certified program’s requirements, which includes verification of safe food handling practices and participation in environmental sustainability programs.

The newly remodeled bakery offers a wider selection of detailed custom cakes and confections for graduations, weddings and other special occasions, as well as an expanded assortment of freshly baked breads, pastries, and now signature fresh fried doughnuts.

Throughout the store, shoppers will also see an increase of antibiotic-free meat, plant-based options, sushi and sustainable seafood selections, along with a wider selection of certified organic and gluten-free offerings, nutritional supplements, home care and pet products.

On the beverage front, the Derby store offers an expanded selection of locally brewed beers such as Big Ditch, Southern Tier Brewing Co., Resurgence, 42 North, Hamburg Brewing Co. and Clarksburg Cider. When ordering online with Tops Grocery Pick-Up and Delivery Services, shoppers can get their favorite traditional and craft beers, hard ciders and seltzers delivered right to their homes.

The remodel also includes the Pharmacy with a new, safe and convenient waiting area that provides a wide variety of services to the community seven days a week, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Tops is committed to making better health easy, offering immunizations, vision tests, low prescription prices and more.

Also new in Derby are two innovative and interactive in-store programs. Flashfood allows customers to purchase food nearing its sell-by date at up to 50% off, while Tops Shop Scan, is a new convenient way for customers to shop with their phone, scan and bag their items as they go.

“At Tops, social responsibility and sustainability have always been at the core of our mission, upholding standards that ensure we reduce environmental waste and energy consumption while providing customers with sustainably sourced, high-quality products, at a great value,” said Jeff Culhane, SVP of sales and merchandising for Tops, in a release.  “Flashfood fits right into our business model and we’re excited to bring this unique opportunity to our customers.”

From expanded organic and natural foods to locally brewed beers, custom cakes and specialty and imported cheeses, Tops Friendly Markets’ newly renovated 46,500-square-foot Ontario store features similar updates to the Derby location.

Tops Markets operates 157 full-service supermarkets with five additional franchise stores and is the largest private, for-profit employer in Western New York, the company said.