After two months of a soft-launch, the Village Marketplace held it’s grand opening and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, January 20, officially bringing a fully-stocked grocery store back to downtown South Orange.
The store is under new ownership, and South Orange Downtown’s website puts it, the store is “offering a fresh, modern shopping experience, featuring gourmet deli items, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, hot foods, and everyday essentials.”
South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum, along with members of the Village Council and staff, store owners and employees were on hand for the ribbon cutting, encouraging neighbors to frequent the store to help it succeed.
“I am incredibly grateful to the entire Village Marketplace family, especially owners John and Ali, for their remarkable investment in our downtown,” Collum said. “This beautifully renovated market is truly breathtaking, offering everything from fresh produce and seafood to quality meats, bakery favorites and convenient grab-and-go options for our busy neighbors. Now it’s our turn. Our small businesses thrive because of the people who show up for them. Let’s make 2026 a banner year by shopping local, supporting one another, and continuing to build a community that’s an exceptional place to live, work, and play.”
During the two and half months of the soft launch, management said they were learning what shoppers in South Orange wanted most and were working to be their “new one-stop neighborhood grocery store. …We are ready to bring you the freshest ingredients, local favorites and a welcoming shopping experience.”
At the store on Tuesday, Village Marketplace brought in some of its vendors and gave out free samples of cheese, meat, vegetarian options, snacks and beverages.
The store is open seven days a week 7 a.m. to p.m. Visit the Village Marketplace website to learn more about its weekly specials, catering, grab-n-go lunches and senior discount.
South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum, helping to hold the giant scissors with store owners and employees, attends at the ribbon cutting for the store’s official grand opening in downtown South Orange along with members of the Village Council and staff and residents on January 20, 2025. (Photo Courtesy of South Orange Downtown)
