"[Lack of staff] is definitely one of the top, if not the top, challenge retailers have faced ... What’s amazing, is that is not the only challenge they have had to deal with this year," New Jersey Retail Merchants Association President John Holub told NJBIZ.

A list of New Jersey locations affected by the downsizing was not immediately available. There are 129 Rite Aid outlets in New Jersey of the more than 2,400 nationwide.

"We are excited to announce we will be opening a handful of retail stores in our top populated customer locations across the United States, with the first two stores just newly opened in Chicago and New York City, featuring A Pea in the Pod, along with some of our most popular styles from styles from Motherhood Maternity," said Marla Ryan, executive vice president of A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity.

As part of the grand opening celebration, the store is hosting a “Hoagies for Heroes” sandwich building competition that will recognize everyday heroes in the city's Police and Fire Department, and the Tri Boro First Aid Squad, with a $1,000 donation to each's charity of choice.

The new location is owned and operated by Alichia Pourreza, who for 25 years was part owner in her family’s manufacturing company.

“The holidays are a special time of the year and we want to show our appreciation by rewarding some of our most loyal customers with a very special gift this holiday season,” said Don Leech, the convenience store chain's vice president of marketing and operations.

WHP Global announced the toy brand will rise from the ashes, again, to open a new store in mid-December.

While Chief Executive Officer Karen Lynch said physical stores are "fundamental" to the pharmacy strategy and the retailer's identity "as a company" the store said it's been evaluating changes in population, consumer buying patterns and future health needs.

The H for Happy collection features a range of modern, brightly-hued décor, kitchen and bath accessories, and home accents.

The new ShopRite is backed by tens of millions of dollars in tax breaks and public financing.

These e-commerce brands join recent additions, Purple and Peloton, in the clicks-to-bricks trend, indicating an increase in consumer demand for in-person retail experiences.

The company's first Garden State showroom will occupy 9,400 square feet.