PATHMARK OPENS FIRST IN-STORE KOSHER SHOP

LISA SAXTON

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- Pathmark Stores here has created a kosher store-within-a-store concept with an expansive variety of kosher foods in its new Pathmark supercenter unit in North Hackensack, N.J.

This marks the first time the company has devoted an entire department to kosher products, said Stan Sorkin, vice president of public affairs.

The department was highlighted with a two-page holiday promotional flier, which was made in the store. The kosher section's mid-November grand opening was timed for this year's early Hanukkah celebration.

"We developed this based on the demographics of the area," Sorkin said. He explained that the chain's decisions to open additional kosher departments, similar in scope to the one in the North Hackensack unit, will depend on whether the market demographics for future supercenter units would support them. Many Pathmark units carry some kosher products, but not such an extensive offering.

The department stretches for 80 feet along the back wall of the store, featuring kosher grocery, frozen foods, meat and dairy items. It is situated adjacent to the bakery, meat and dairy departments found along the new store's perimeter.

It offers nearly 200 kosher frozen food stockkeeping units, in five upright doored freezer cases. Among the many products is a line of Tabatchnick frozen entrees, such as chicken broth with noodles and dumplings; Ratner's six-count potato blintzes for $2.49; Empire's kosher chicken pies for $1.99; Mili's Kosher Cuisine meals like Chicken a la Kiev for $3.99, and Melrose Made Gourmet's fat-free

vegetable souffle for $3.99.

The Hanukkah flier also featured a six-pack of Kineret's pizza bagels for $2.99.

Pathmark is merchandising about 300 SKUs of kosher foods in the 22-foot dry grocery area. There is even a 15-item peg candy section, which is supplied by Bloomy's and includes items such as chocolate licorice for 79 cents, mini fruit gums for $1.19 and even 3-ounce candy bars for $1.99.

Other grocery samplings include: lentil rice pilaf mixes, ready-to-serve soups, egg noodles and beverages such as sparkling concord white and red grape juice.

The section also houses a 20-foot, upright dairy case holding about 250 SKUs of items such as Hebrew National hot dogs; Pickle Schleppers pickles; Schorr's sour garlic pickles; Nathan's herring snacks and sour cream; Miller's cheeses, and Dairy DeLite's low-fat yogurt shakes in tropical blend, coffee and strawberry flavors.

Rounding out Pathmark's inaugural kosher department is an 8-foot case of kosher poultry products.