Will Marlborough Flock to Market Basket?

When a DeMoulas Market Basket opens up, it causes a stir. Not unlike when Wegmans opened its doors a few years ago in Northborough, the crowds can't wait to get their shopping carts down the aisles. While the concepts of the two stores are vastly different, the fact remains that both are at the top of the supermarket food chain.

A Market Basket is being constructed in the Highland Commons Shopping Center on Coolidge Street in neighboring Hudson (next to Lowe's). Jennifer Burke, Hudson's planning director, said the proposed opening date according to store management is June 9 of this year. The project was permitted as a shopping center, she said, with Benderson Development out of Buffalo, NY, developing the site.

Marlborough grocery shoppers have a plethora of choices within a 5-10 mile radius. The city already has a Price Chopper, Hannaford's and nearby Walmart, BJ's and Wegmans.

Jo Natale, director of media relations for Wegmans, acknowledged that when a new store in any market opens, "it will take business from other stores."

For Wegmans, though, she said it doesn't mean that they will change course or do anything differently.

Instead, we focus on our customers and the things that we know are important to them," said Natale, "which are incredible service, the right selection of products, restaurant-quality prepared foods, and consistent low prices, especially on the products families buy every week."

Burke said that when the new shopping center was under review for Hudson, residents—particularly those in Berlin—were opposed to the construction.

In terms of opposition by competing markets, Burke said, "The most I've heard from other stores is questions about opening dates."

The Demoulas Market Basket most recently moved in to Revere's Northgate Mall, according to the Revere Journal, and development is "moving rapidly and company representatives said they should be open for business in 2013."

According to the DeMoulas Market Basket website, there are 69 stores in two states: Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

And what about you, shoppers? Will you travel to Market Basket? Do you think the addition of the market will change the grocery store landscape, affecting business at competitors? Share your thoughts in the comments section.