Inside Tops' $1.8M Elmira Renovation

Executives and associates from Tops Friendly Markets welcomed guests to a newly renovated Elmira, N.Y., store, which features expanded offerings and upgrades throughout.

The Elmira store renovation at 1600 Cedar St. marks the beginning of a $40 million capital improvement program underway for the Williamsville, N.Y.-based regional grocery chain. A total of $1.8 million was earmarked for the Elmira store location.

Shoppers who stopped by the grand reopening saw firsthand the expansion of Tops’ produce, bakery and deli/carryout cafe areas, as well as a wider selection of natural, organic and gluten-free offerings now conveniently integrated throughout the main aisles.

“We’re excited to share a new shopping experience with our neighbors in Elmira,” said Donald Myles, Elmira Tops store manager, pictured here. “We have taken all of your favorite departments and made them even better with expanded product offerings. We hope you love the changes as much as we do.”

The store remained open during the remodeling project, which the company said included floor-to-ceiling interior renovations and the installation of an updated exterior facade, as well as landscaping and parking lot remodeling.

The Elmira store was remodeled to provide customers with a warm, inviting atmosphere that highlights the fresh departments, Tops said.

“We take pride in the partnerships with all of our growers, including over 200 local growers, during home-grown season, and are happy to offer you the freshest produce around,” said Don Horn, Elmira Tops produce manager. “I love the new look of my department and the whole store.” 

The Elmira store's new flooring, plus the addition of energy efficient equipment and new shopping carts, plus a new-look interior decor, gives the store a fresh appearance and vibrant feel. 

Probably the most noticeable change to the store came with the addition of a three-pump fuel center with a kiosk that provides added convenience for Tops shoppers, who can earn points toward fuel savings using Tops GasPoints. 

John Persons, Tops president and COO, spoke at the event. “Throughout our stores, shoppers will see expanded refrigerated produce allowing for more variety and convenience, new offerings including an in-store cut fruit and vegetable program, and an increase of antibiotic-free meat and seafood selections,” he said. 

Tops CEO Frank Curci (left) joined other Tops executives and store workers at the grand reopening celebration. 

Tops Markets LLC, which restructured last year, operates 159 full-service supermarkets with five additional franchise stores. It is the largest private, for-profit employer in western New York.