Last checked Sep 29, 2026
ShopRite (U.S. supermarket banner/trademark owned by Wakefern Food Corp.)shoprite.comShopRite (U.S. supermarket banner/trademark owned by Wakefern Food Corp.) is not currently listed as private-equity-owned.
Ownership & Acquisition History
ShopRite is not controlled by a private equity firm; the ShopRite name is owned by Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative whose member companies independently own and operate the stores.
Notes
- Wakefern states its cooperative was formalized on December 5, 1946 and that the eight independent grocers were from Newark, NJ; Wakefern also states members began operating under the ShopRite name in 1951.
- An SEC filing for Village Super Market (a Wakefern member) describes Wakefern as a retailer-owned food cooperative and states Wakefern is the owner of the ShopRite name—supporting that ShopRite is not PE-controlled but cooperative/member-controlled.
- Founder name lists conflict across sources (some list 7 names; some list a different subset). Because Wakefern’s official history references eight grocers without naming them, founder names are provided with uncertainty while keeping the founding year/location anchored to Wakefern’s account.
Sources
- Who We Are (Our History)
Wakefern Food Corp. - Wakefern formation date (Dec 5, 1946), founders described as eight independent grocers from Newark, NJ, and ShopRite name adoption in 1951.
- ShopRite (brand page)
Wakefern Food Corp. - ShopRite story context; confirms ShopRite name adopted in 1951 and ties brand origins to Wakefern cooperative.
- Village Super Market, Inc. Form 10-K (EDGAR)
U.S. SEC - States the company is a member of Wakefern, a retailer-owned cooperative, and that Wakefern is the owner of the ShopRite name—supporting non-PE, cooperative ownership/control.
- 50 Movers and Shakers (Wakefern formed in 1946; founder names reported)
Supermarket News - Reports Wakefern was formed in 1946 and provides a reported list of founders (noting sources vary on exact names/number).
- File:ShopRite Logo.png
Wikimedia Commons - Provides a usable direct logo file source (logo image URL used above).
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakefern_Food_Corporation
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://newsroom.wakefern.com/2021/12/perlmart-inc-transitions-shoprite-ownership/
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.shopriteholdings.co.za/docs/shp-afs-2023.pdf
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/explore/alphabetical-index/interviewees/30-interview-html-text/717-bildner-allen-i-part-3
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/103595/000010359518000017/vlgea2018728-10xk.htm
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://champsignal.com/ownership/shoprite.com
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShopRite
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
Ownership FAQ
Is ShopRite (U.S. supermarket banner/trademark owned by Wakefern Food Corp.) owned by private equity?
No. ShopRite (U.S. supermarket banner/trademark owned by Wakefern Food Corp.) does not currently appear to be private-equity-owned.
Who owns ShopRite (U.S. supermarket banner/trademark owned by Wakefern Food Corp.)?
Wakefern Food Corp. (retailer-owned cooperative; ShopRite stores are independently owned/operated by Wakefern member companies)
When was ShopRite (U.S. supermarket banner/trademark owned by Wakefern Food Corp.) last checked?
This page was last checked on Sep 29, 2026.