Owners Selling McFarlan's Market In Collingswood, Merchantville

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — A locally-owned supermarket that opened in Collingswood in September is closing after less than a year of being in business.

The owners of McFarlan’s Market in Collingswood and Merchantville are looking to sell, they announced on Wednesday. They opened their 2,910 square foot Merchantville location in 2010. In September, they opened a 4,000 square foot location in Collingswood.

Owners Janet Stevens and Pete Burgess indicated they are closing the Collingswood store as of Aug. 15. The Merchantville store will remain open while they search for a buyer.

“While we love owning the stores and our employees, customers, suppliers, and both towns, the time has come to search for a new owner,” Burgess said. “We feel an operator with the right concept and experience can make the stores profitable, but we are open to the highest and best use for both sites including possible conversion to restaurants.”

Both stores sell specialty groceries that include baked goods, butcher, deli, and prepared foods and catering services. The Collingswood location also features a café dining space. Both locations are fully equipped and furnished including refrigeration and cooking equipment.

“We want to thank everyone that has come through our doors for a cup of coffee, a recipe, lunch or just to chat,” the owners said in an online statement. “Running McFarlan's has been an amazing experience. We'll always be shop local advocates, and we hope you will too. Thank you for your time and support.”

Residents responded, showing their support for the local market.

"It’s been great having you guys in town," one resident wrote. "I’m so sad to see you leave. I hope you find a buyer! Best of luck!"

"I wish all the folks who said 'yeah I hear it’s great' would have shopped here," wrote another. "So sad."

" I can't tell you how much I appreciated having you in town," another wrote. "Such a lovely market with friendly employees. I really hope our town leaders can help find a buyer who will keep McFarlans as is. It is perfect as is! I am sorry your employees will be jobless. Please don't let this beautiful market stay vacant for long. Good luck in the future. I will miss you all."

Joe Riggs of NAI Mertz is representing the owners in finding potential buyers/operators for both locations. He suggested that conversion to dining/restaurant operations would likely be the highest and best use. Interested buyers can contact Riggs at joe.riggs@naimertz.com.