Acme has already closed one New Jersey store it acquired from A&P, in Newark.

The rapid turnaround, however, didn't allow time for remodels that would wow shoppers. Acme took over A&P and Pathmark stores and converted them within a few days to Acme stores. This Philadelphia-based brand re-entered the North Jersey market after A&P collapsed. The company is determined to stop the competition from eating into its sales, and has expanded its organic and prepared food offerings. A division of the Dutch food giant Ahold, Stop & Shop is a close second to ShopRite. Stop & Shop: 19 stores in Bergen and Passaic.ShopRite: With 21 stores in Bergen and Passaic counties, this company is the one to beat. It is part of the Wakefern food cooperative, which gives it the buying power of national chains combined with local owners who have deep roots in the neighborhoods where they operate, and who can listen to and respond quickly to customers.Some of the sharpest operators in the business are competing for a slice of North Jersey's grocery sales, with new rivals entering the market every year. Watch Video: Video: Shoprite adjusts to a changing market

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