Signs point to summer opening for Amazon Fresh at Route 17 in Paramus. Here's what we know
PARAMUS — An Amazon Fresh supermarket will open its doors this summer at a former Fairway Market off Route 17.
A sign posted on the entrance to the supermarket in the Fashion Center says it is "coming Summer 2022" and directs visitors to Amazon.com/fresh for updates.
Meanwhile, the company has been posting jobs since January for floor leaders, paying $16.50 and up, and overnight retail clerks at the Paramus location.
Laura Hayes, a spokesperson for Amazon, said the company has not confirmed an opening date for either the Paramus or Woodland Park location. Both sites were former Fairway Markets that closed in 2020 and were purchased by Amazon.
Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark said Amazon told him they were having "supply chain issues" back in February, causing delays.
But the Paramus location appears to be gearing up to open, with new signs on Route 17 and an exterior that looks complete. The Fashion Center shopping plaza sits between Route 17 north and East Ridgewood Avenue.
There are now more than 25 Amazon Fresh supermarkets in the country, with new stores opening at a rapid pace. In New Jersey, stores are also coming to Eatontown and Holmdel.
WHAT'S NEW IN NORTH JERSEY: Big Blue swimming, Glosslab, Dogtas home store among 8 new businesses in North Jersey
NEW ORGANIC MARKET: Supermarket chain Mom's Organic coming to Paramus. Here's what we know
Amazon Fresh started as an online grocery delivery service before moving to physical locations, with the first stores opening in Woodland Hills and Irvine, California.
What's at Amazon Fresh?
Amazon Fresh supermarkets are centered around technology, including high-tech shopping carts called Dash Carts that let customers pay for groceries without going through the checkout line. The smart carts scan and tally purchases.
Alexa, Amazon's voice command service, is available to answer questions like "Where do I find aspirin?"
The stores carry name brands as well as store brands. While Whole Foods, also owned by Amazon, bans products containing artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors, Amazon Fresh carries mainstream products like diet colas.
Other Amazon Fresh stores have prepared food and dine-in areas, but it's not clear if Paramus and Woodland Park will have dining areas.
In February, Amazon spokeswoman Alyse Bernal said the stores would employ hundreds of workers.
Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: noda@northjersey.com
Twitter: @snoda11
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Amazon Fresh in Paramus NJ set to open in summer 2022
