Twenty-eight supermarkets have closed across New Jersey in the past two years, and Linda Doherty, president and CEO of the New Jersey Food Council, said the losses concern the organization and need to be a priority for policymakers.
“Stores are feeling the affordability pressures,” Doherty said. “The continued loss of New Jersey grocery stores should serve as a warning because the cumulative impact of bad public policy has broader implications on access to healthy foods, job loss and community giving. Grocers must have a seat at the table in this new administration.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill took office in January.
Heading into 2027, Doherty described growth in the state’s food retail industry as uneven. Food and beverage sales continue to post small gains, she said, while food prices remain elevated at about 3 percent.
“While still spending, the purchasing power of shoppers remains an issue, and lower income households are feeling it the most,” Doherty said. “Overall, New Jersey’s economy is slow growing, and it is not expected to change much in 2027.”
Rutgers University’s New Jersey State Policy Lab projects a similar pace. Its Summer 2026 R/ECON forecast calls for state GDP growth of 0.9 percent in 2026 and 2027, about a full percentage point below the national pace. Employment is expected to edge up 0.2 percent in 2026, with job growth rising to 0.5 percent in 2027.
New Jersey’s unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage point to 4.3 percent from July to August, equal to the state’s lowest level since June 2023. Of the states with year-over-year unemployment rate decreases, New Jersey posted the largest, down 1.2 percentage points from August 2025.
At the same time, preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show payrolls fell by 1,700 in August, following a revised loss of 21,900 jobs from June to July.
Finding common ground
Doherty said the council’s relationship with Sherrill’s administration has followed the same pattern as past transitions. Going back to former Govs. Chris Christie and Phil Murphy, she said, every new administration brings an uncertain period as new officials take office and try to push campaign promises that can be harmful to business.
“In the meantime, we have had many productive meet-and-greets with the new Sherrill team and are finding common ground to make New Jersey more affordable for customers,” Doherty said.
Weights and measures modernization is a top priority for the council, she noted, and the issue is receiving good attention.
Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act on July 23. The law bars the use of consumers’ personal data to set individualized prices and takes effect Aug. 1, 2027. A moratorium on electronic shelf labels takes effect Feb. 1, 2027.
The one-year pause applies to the new use of the labels while the New Jersey Innovation Authority studies the technology. Stores are not required to stop using, repairing or replacing existing labels.
Doherty, who plans to retire in January (see cover story), said NJFC is working
with legislative leaders on a technical cleanup bill after lawmakers realized they moved too quickly.
“We are hopeful this fix will achieve both goals for supporters and industry,” she said.
Retail crime law showing results
Murphy signed New Jersey’s organized retail crime law April 1, 2025. More than a year later, Doherty said the law is working. The omnibus bill created the crime of aggravated assault of a retail worker and targets repeat offenders and organized theft leaders.
It also combats gift card fraud, increases penalties for tax evasion tied to organized retail crime and gives law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools to dismantle criminal networks.
“These various provisions have different solutions and are being applied by law enforcement,” Doherty said. “Also, the gravity of the penalties has created a deterrent.”
To support the law, NJFC created a training module for law enforcement. Officers are now taking the course to learn about the law, identify the crimes and apply the new prosecution provisions.
Other issues on the radar
Recycled-content packaging requirements and a possible extended producer responsibility framework remain on the council’s radar. Doherty credited a significant awareness campaign led by NJFC VP Mary Ellen Peppard with changing the pace of that debate.
“New Jersey policymakers have slowed down their rush to enforce or pass these unworkable requirements,” she said.
More than four years after the state banned single-use paper and plastic bags, Doherty is pleased with the policy.
“[The ban] has been a complete success and consequential achievement for the New Jersey environment and the communities we serve,” she said. “We have prevented billions of shopping bags from entering our solid waste stream, and polluting our waterways, parks and neighborhoods.”