Co-operative reports 2% sales growth in a 53-week fiscal year, opens seven stores and invests more than $150 million in store improvements.
Wakefern Food Corp. reported retail sales of $21.5 billion for its 53-week fiscal year ended Oct. 3, 2026, up 2% from the prior fiscal year, as the Keasbey, N.J.-based retailer-owned cooperative marked its 80th anniversary at its annual shareholders’ meeting Oct. 22.
The comparison includes an additional week of sales in fiscal 2026, compared with 52 weeks in fiscal 2025. Wakefern did not disclose how much of the reported increase was attributable to that extra week or provide an adjusted, 52-week growth rate. The reported increase should not be interpreted as comparable-store sales growth.
During fiscal 2026, Wakefern members opened seven stores, including five ShopRite locations, one The Fresh Grocer store and one Price Rite Marketplace. Members also invested more than $150 million in new stores, renovations and customer-focused improvements during the year.
Nearly 700 Wakefern members, store managers and corporate and retail employees attended the annual meeting at the Hilton in East Brunswick, N.J., with thousands more participating virtually.
Founded in 1946 by eight New Jersey grocers, Wakefern today operates as a cooperative whose member companies own and operate hundreds of supermarkets across the Northeast.
“Eighty years ago, independent grocers came together with a shared vision and founded a cooperative that has grown into one of the most successful food retail organizations in the country,” said Wakefern chairman Sean McMenamin. “As we honor that legacy, we are also looking ahead. Our future will be shaped by our willingness to think bigger, embrace change, pursue smart growth and move forward together as one cooperative.”
In addition to store investments, Wakefern expanded its e-commerce capabilities, pickup and delivery services, employee training programs and support services for member companies. The cooperative also expanded its wholesale operations, including distribution of its Di Bruno Bros. specialty product line to all 50 states.
“We are creating new opportunities for growth for the cooperative while remaining focused on serving customers and strengthening the family-owned, independent businesses at the heart of Wakefern,” said Wakefern president Mike Stigers. “At the same time, our members continue to invest in their stores, communities and people, and that commitment is fueling our momentum.”
Wakefern Board Changes Announced
Wakefern announced four appointments to its board of directors: Tim Mannix, vice president of Mannix Family Markets; Dara Sblendorio, president of Sunrise ShopRite; Rick Saker, senior vice president of Saker ShopRites; and Spencer Wolfson, vice president of ShopRite of Lincoln Park.
The new directors represent second-, third- and fourth-generation family grocery businesses, according to the cooperative.
The company also recognized two outgoing directors, Len Sitar, president of ShopRite of Carteret, and Richard Saker, president and CEO of Saker ShopRites, who have a combined 60 years of service on Wakefern’s board.
Wakefern presented its Chairman’s Award to Larri Wolfson, a third-generation grocer and owner and operator of ShopRite of Lincoln Park. Wolfson previously served on the cooperative’s board of directors and as vice chairman.
“Larri’s impact on Wakefern extends far beyond the leadership positions he has held,” McMenamin said. “His wisdom and unwavering commitment to our cooperative have helped shape generations of Wakefern leaders and strengthen our organization for the future.”