RE-OPENED PATHMARK UNIT WIDENS HEALTH FOCUS

STEPHANIE LOUGHRAN

EDGEWATER, N.J. -- Pathmark of Edgewater Commons here was the first of its 136 stores to expand their nutrition centers to accommodate the growing demand of health-oriented products, according to Rich Savner, spokesperson for Pathmark Stores, Carteret, N.J.

At this Pathmark store's grand re-opening earlier this month, customers walked into an expanded nutrition center that integrated vitamins, dry goods, dairy and frozen selections throughout the store.

"This store has the largest offering of nutritional products, and was a major part of the re-opening," said Savner. He said the company wanted to meet the demands of the growing category and accommodate the diverse demographic profile of the store's surrounding areas.

The expansion included widening Pathmark's vitamin section 16 linear feet, from a 12-foot section to a 28-foot section, said Savner. The retailer did not extend the section for any one particular vitamin or nutritional supplement category, but increased the selection of both their nationally branded products and their strong private label program.

There are also expanded offerings in the cereal aisle, a broader selection of cheeses in the dairy department, and a larger variety of natural health foods like tofu.

"In today's society, there's a growing segment who are more health-conscious," said Savner. He said certain segments have become more affluent and educated on the health benefits of natural foods and a healthy lifestyle, and there has been a growing demand for it.

The retailer could place expanded the nutrition centers in two or three other loctions after it monitors business at the Edgewater unit, said Savner.