The Fresh Market, a family owned grocery store chain with 87 stores throughout the south, midwest and mid-Atlantic regions has expanded into the New England market as the new anchor tenant at 605 Post Rd. East at Village Center. The grocer will occupy the 22,775 s/f recently vacated by Shaw's Supermarket. The Fresh Market has entered into a long-term lease agreement with The Kowalsky Family, the owners of the shopping center, said Brett Sherman of Angel Commercial LLC, who represented the landlord in the transaction.
According to Sherman, "While visiting The Fresh Market stores during lease negotiations, the Kowalskys and I were very impressed by the atmosphere, cleanliness and overall management of the store. The prices are also competitive with other national grocers in the Westport area. Small touches such as complimentary coffee for shoppers and attendants on hand to carry groceries to your car brings back a shopping experience from the past." The Fresh Market chain has distinguished itself as the premier operator of 'the smaller model' grocery stores. The smaller stores convey the atmosphere of an old world European market, all under one roof, where customers can visit an array of departments: the old-style butcher shop and fish market, bakery, produce and floral stands, and delicatessen. The Fresh Market also carries daily necessities like cereal, bread, paper towels and even dog food.
The shopping center will undergo an extensive renovation before the store's anticipated November 2009 opening. The Kowalsky's renovation plans for the center include a complete exterior facelift including an updated façade, a new parking lot and striping, curbing, sidewalks and landscaping.
"The family is very excited about the new anchor tenant as well as the repositioning of the center," said Jay Kowalsky.