Honestly, if you’ve lived in Union County for any length of time, you know that Route 22 is a beast. It's a concrete ribbon of chaos. But tucked right there at 367 US-22 in Hillside is a landmark that has survived the rise of grocery delivery apps and the frenzy of supercenters.
The ShopRite of Hillside New Jersey isn't just a place to grab a gallon of milk. It’s a neighborhood pulse point. People have strong opinions about this store. Some folks drive past three other markets just to get here because they know the butcher by name, while others find the parking lot a bit of a localized adrenaline sport.
What You Actually Need to Know About the Layout
Most people head straight for the produce. It’s usually the first thing you see, and for good reason. The quality is solid, but the real secret is the prepared foods section. If you're coming home from a long shift and the thought of firing up the stove makes you want to weep, their rotisserie chicken and deli sides are lifesavers.
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The store is open from 6 AM to 12 AM daily.
That’s a big window. Late-night grocery runs here are surprisingly peaceful. You've got the whole aisle to yourself, no rogue shopping carts blocking the pasta sauce, and the staff is usually busy restocking, so you can just vibe with your podcast and get your shopping done in twenty minutes.
The Pharmacy Factor
One thing that sets the ShopRite of Hillside New Jersey apart is the pharmacy. It’s not just a counter in the back. They handle everything from immunizations to pet medications.
If you're trying to coordinate a prescription pickup, their hours are a bit tighter than the main store:
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- Monday through Friday: 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM to 3 PM
They do compounding too. That's a rarity for a big-box grocery store pharmacy. Most people don't realize how much of a headache it saves to have your kid's specialized meds filled in the same building where you're buying their cereal.
Navigating the Route 22 Struggle
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the location. Being on US-22 means you have to be tactical. If you miss the turn, you're looking at a ten-minute U-turn odyssey.
Pro tip: if you’re coming from the Newark side, keep your eyes peeled. If you hit the Wendy's, you've gone too far.
The parking lot is a shared space. It gets busy. Saturday morning at 10 AM is basically the grocery equivalent of a mosh pit. If you hate crowds, Tuesday evening is your best friend. Honestly, the "sweet spot" is usually around 8 PM on a weeknight. The shelves are mostly full, the lines are short, and the "Route 22 vibe" has calmed down significantly.
Beyond the Aisles: Community Roots
ShopRite is a cooperative. That's a fancy way of saying these stores are often family-owned. The ShopRite of Hillside New Jersey is part of that larger ecosystem of "families serving families." They’re heavily involved in the ShopRite Partners In Caring program.
You’ve probably seen the little labels on the shelves. Those aren't just for show. Every time you buy a participating product, a portion goes toward fighting food insecurity in the local area. In a town like Hillside, where community ties are thick, that matters. They support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which is actually headquartered just down the road. It’s a full-circle kind of thing.
Modern Convenience vs. Old School Shopping
They have the ShopRite from Home service. Basically, you order on your phone, and they do the heavy lifting. It's great for when you're sick or just can't deal with the highway traffic.
But there’s something about going in. You see the same faces. You catch the smell of the bakery—their bread is legitimately good, by the way. It’s that balance of 2026 technology and that "neighborhood market" feel that keeps the place relevant.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want the best experience at the Hillside ShopRite, keep these things in mind:
- Download the App First: The digital coupons are the only way to get the real deals. If you aren't clipping them on the app, you're basically leaving money on the conveyor belt.
- Check the Pharmacy Hours: Don't assume they match the store. There is nothing worse than showing up at 8 PM for a script and seeing the gate down.
- The Butcher is Your Friend: If you don't see the cut of meat you want, just ask. They are surprisingly accommodating with custom cuts if they aren't slammed.
- Watch the Exit: When leaving, be careful merging back onto 22. People drive like they’re qualifying for Daytona.
ShopRite of Hillside New Jersey remains a staple because it understands the locals. It's fast, it's consistent, and it's been there through every snowstorm and summer heatwave. Whether you're a lifelong Hillside resident or just passing through on the highway, it’s the kind of place that gets the job done without the fluff.