Plans to open a Savers thrift store in the former King Kullen supermarket in Hewlett have sparked mixed reactions among residents of Lynbrook, East Rockaway and surrounding communities, with many expressing disappointment that another grocery store will not take its place.
The second-hand merchandise retailer has leased the 26,895-square-foot property at 1765 Peninsula Blvd., which housed King Kullen for 45 years before the supermarket closed in May. According to a report about the lease, the new Savers location is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027.
The announcement prompted a wave of reactions on the Herald’s Facebook page, where a post seeking residents’ opinions drew more than 300 comments. Many expressed frustration with the decision, arguing that the neighborhood would benefit more from another supermarket, while others welcomed the prospect of a new business occupying the vacant property.
For some residents, the disappointment stems from the loss of a longtime neighborhood grocery store that served generations of shoppers. “As someone who lives down the block, we want a supermarket not a thrift store,” Chy Squicciarini posted.
Other residents echoed that sentiment, with several suggesting that an Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace or another specialty grocery store would be a better fit for the location. “We need an Uncle Giuseppe’s!” Janina Gordon Jarnich wrote.
“Would love a good Italian market,” Diane Panzarino added.
Pat O’Keefe Alonge explained why she believes another supermarket would better serve the neighborhood, noting the convenience and familiarity that King Kullen provided for longtime customers. “I recognize that many families are struggling and looking to save where they can,” Alonge wrote. “There are thrift stores in adjacent areas easy to access, have large inventories and strong following.”
Alonge said that the supermarket’s closing has been particularly difficult for residents who regularly relied on it. “King Kullen has been a neighborhood staple for many years,” she wrote. “Those of us that live in close proximity used it frequently and its loss is profoundly felt.”
Alonge added that residents had previously expressed excitement about the possibility of a Whole Foods or Uncle Giuseppe’s opening on the site. “A place to shop for food or specialty items would serve the neighborhood in a far better way,” she wrote.
King Kullen closed on May 21, after the company was unable to negotiate favorable lease renewal terms. For decades it was a destination for residents purchasing groceries, prepared foods and household necessities. At the time, longtime shoppers expressed sadness over losing a store where employees knew customers by name and neighbors frequently crossed paths.
Dennis Gilroy, a Woodmere resident and a longtime Hewlett Fire Department member, previously told the Herald that he shopped at the supermarket as often as three times a week. “It’s convenient, and it’s a great grocery store,” Gilroy said. “I don’t know why they’re leaving. I’ve been shopping here since it was called the Big Apple.”
For residents seeking alternatives, nearby grocery options include Foodtown, on Peninsula Boulevard in Hewlett, and King Kullen, in neighboring Valley Stream.
Despite the widespread criticism, not everyone opposed the arrival of Savers. Cristina Patricia acknowledged that another type of business might have been preferable, but argued that filling a vacant commercial space is better for the community than leaving it empty.
“Before criticizing a new business coming to town,” Patricia wrote on Facebook, “ask yourself why we have so many gyms and workout studios, nail and hair salons, and at least six barber shops within walking distance of each other.”
She mentioned the loss of other local businesses and the number of storefronts that have remained vacant, arguing that a new retailer could help attract shoppers and bring activity to the area. “Vacant stores don’t help our community, create jobs, or bring people into town,” Patricia wrote.
She also noted that bargain shopping remains popular at retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, and that Savers could appeal to residents looking for affordable merchandise.
“A business choosing to invest in our town, fill an empty storefront, create jobs, and attract shoppers should be welcomed,” Patricia wrote. “We may not all shop there, but having an occupied storefront is far better than another empty one.”
Other commenters shared that enthusiasm. “Yay!!! Unpopular opinion, but I cannot wait,” Samantha Erin wrote.
The Hewlett location will follow the opening of another Savers store in Carle Place, which held its grand opening on Oct. 1 in a former Big Lots space on Voice Road. The Carle Place store became the chain’s eighth location on Long Island.
