Headline: Somerdale’s Old Rite Aid to Become Elite Kitchen & Bath — a New Local Stop for I‑295 Shoppers and Contractors
By Ari Williams — 295Times.com
Category: News / Somerdale
If you travel I‑295 through Camden County and use the exits that feed into Somerdale, keep an eye out: the vacant Rite Aid on Somerdale Road is being converted into an Elite Kitchen & Bath Supply store. The change signals another small but meaningful reshuffle in neighborhood retail — one that matters to homeowners, contractors and commuters looking for supplies without a trip to the big-box strip.
What’s happening and where
The property that once housed a Rite Aid pharmacy is being reworked for a specialty home‑improvement retailer, Elite Kitchen & Bath Supply. The site sits on Somerdale’s commercial corridor and is easily reached from the nearby I‑295 exits that many locals use to get to and from the borough and neighboring towns in Camden County. A quick look on Google Maps shows the location is within a short drive of Route 70 and other regional connectors, making it convenient for trade traffic as well as residents.
Why this matters to Somerdale and drivers on I‑295
At first glance it’s just another tenant change. But there are a few reasons this is worth flagging for readers who track development by town and exit:
– Fills a vacant building: Long‑empty retail space can drag down a small shopping strip. An active store reduces blight, restores foot traffic and helps nearby businesses — cafes, nail salons, pizza shops — that count on passersby.
– Serves tradespeople and homeowners: A kitchen-and-bath supplier is different from a pharmacy. These stores tend to attract contractors, plumbers and homeowners working on remodels who will come with pickup trucks and often spend more per visit. That means more daytime activity and, potentially, more repeat traffic from the region.
– Better local access to specialty goods: Instead of driving to larger centers in Cherry Hill or Mount Laurel, residents near Somerdale and adjacent exits on I‑295 may have a closer option for cabinets, fixtures, sinks and countertops. That convenience can matter for small remodels and emergency replacements.
– Small job creation: Retail conversions typically bring part‑time and full‑time positions. For a borough the size of Somerdale, even a modest number of new jobs matters — particularly in the retail and warehouse roles tied to store operations.
How this connects to nearby development trends
Across South Jersey we’re seeing more of this pattern: national chain downsizing or relocating, followed by regional or specialty retailers taking over the space. NJ.com and Patch have covered similar transitions in nearby towns where former pharmacies or dollar stores became service‑oriented retailers or local businesses. The trend reflects changing consumer patterns — fewer people depend on traditional pharmacy foot traffic in some neighborhoods, while demand for home‑improvement products remains steady as homeowners age into renovation projects.
For I‑295 commuters that means more diversified retail near exits. Where once the corridor’s convenience options centered on gas, groceries and quick service, we’re now getting niche retailers that draw different customer mixes — tradespeople during the week, homeowners on weekends.
Community reaction and reputation
Local sentiment for openings like this tends to be cautiously positive. On platforms such as Yelp, people who post about Elite Kitchen & Bath Supply locations in the region often mention knowledgeable staff and a good selection for mid‑range projects. Neighbors, when reached informally, usually welcome the reuse of a vacant building so long as it doesn’t increase traffic or create parking headaches. If you’re curious about experiences with other Elite locations, a quick search of reviews gives a sense of what nearby shoppers have said.
Practical considerations for residents and drivers
– Parking and traffic: If you drive to the Somerdale shopping strip from I‑295 exits, expect some uptick in daytime truck traffic as deliveries and contractor pickups start. It will likely be manageable but worth noting if you use the area during weekday peak hours.
– Complementary business opportunities: Local hardware stores, tile shops, or independent contractors may see business benefits. Conversely, if you run a small local appliance or countertop business, this new tenant could increase competition; it could also be a partnership opportunity.
– Permits and municipal impact: Changes in retail use generally require borough permits for signage, façade work or interior renovations. Somerdale officials review and issue approvals, which keeps redevelopment in check and helps the community weigh parking and access impacts.
What I’ll be watching
– Opening timeline and hours: Those details will matter to contractors and homeowners planning visits. I’ll update when store hours and an opening date are public.
– Community feedback: If you live nearby, what do you think? Send photos or comments of the site and I’ll share notable responses in a future update.
– Broader retail shifts along the I‑295 corridor: This is one of several small conversions happening in South Jersey. Each change helps us map how local shopping nodes are evolving — and which exits on I‑295 are becoming more attractive for trade‑focused retail.
Where to find more info
For the exact location and driving directions, check Google Maps. For local reactions and any announcements from Somerdale officials, NJ.com and Patch sometimes report on similar commercial changes in Camden County. If you want to read other shoppers’ experiences with Elite Kitchen & Bath Supply, Yelp reviews can offer perspective.
If you have local insight — work at a nearby business, commute past this spot every day, or are a contractor who might use this store — I want to hear from you. Email tips@295times.com or reply with photos and I’ll include community voices in the next update.
— Ari Williams, 295Times.com
