Wegmans plans to open its first store on Long Island, says upscale grocer

Upscale supermarket chain Wegmans is taking steps to open its first grocery store on Long Island.

The grocer has struck a deal to purchase 8.5 acres of land in Lake Grove Village, where it plans to build a 100,000-square-foot supermarket, the Rochester supermarket chain announced in a statement Monday.

No timetable has been set for construction and opening.

“Wegmans will be a positive addition to our village, helping to renovate all of the area’s retail stores. The company has a reputation for bringing people near and far from Lake Grove to do their shopping,” Lake Grove Mayor Robert Scotalin said in the statement.

In the statement, the grocer said the Lake Grove Wigman family will be located on 28-acre DSW yard in Lake Grove at the corner of Middle Country Road and Mauritius.

Prestige Properties and Development will continue to own and operate the remainder of the mall.

Wegmans could not be reached for comment.

Scotalin said the grocer has not submitted any building plans for the village yet, who said he and other village officials will meet with Wegmans officials on May 12 to discuss the project.

Wegmans chose a good location for his Long Island store, as the village is centrally located and the shopping center property is across the street from Smith Haven Mall, he said.

Smith Haven Mall was an anchor in the area but [that has declined] With online shopping. I think Wegmans will become an anchor for the area,” he said.

Founded in 1916, Wegmans operates 106 stores in seven states and has more than 50,000 employees.

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