Colligas Family Markets
About the ShopRite of Whitman Plaza
As a part-time cashier at the ShopRite of Somerville in 1960, Jim Colligas enjoyed the supermarket industry and dreamed of owning his own store. In 2005, he realized his dream when he became the president and CEO of Colligas Family Markets and the owner and operator of the ShopRite of Front & Snyder. Today, wife Suzanne, and daughter Jennifer also work in the family’s store.
Jim brought with him more than 30 years of experience in the supermarket industry, 28 years of that was spent working for another ShopRite owner. The sale of the previous owner’s stores in Philadelphia prompted Jim to explore his options.
When he took over the Front & Snyder store in 2005, he knew it was essential to quality customer service that the store reflected the needs of the neighborhood it was located in – South Philly. A renovation not only added 5,600 square feet to the previously 48,000 square foot store, but also a natural and organic department, a new seafood department, and an enhanced appetizer department including products the community expects in a typical South Philly deli.
His bakery is also well-known in the community for specialty pastries and custom wedding cake and dessert orders. The store also provides catering services for all occasions complete with a professional full-time florist who has impeccable talent and flare for custom design bouquets and other floral arrangements for weddings and special occasions.
Customers can also take advantage of a convenient delivery service that offers delivery of grocery orders shopped in-store or for those customers using the store’s online ordering feature — ShopRite from Home. Delivery is provided to the South Philly and Center City areas of Philadelphia.
Community Outreach
The Colligas family loves their South Philly neighborhood and is a proud supporter of many civic and educational organizations in the neighborhood. Jim and his wife often sponsor or attend a variety of events put on by the Mural Art Society of Philadelphia. The store’s outside wall features a mural painted in 2006, which is a stop on the Philadelphia Mural Art tour.
Partnering with schools is an ongoing effort at the ShopRite of Front & Snyder. The Colligas family has fostered partnerships with Abigail Vare Elementary School as well as Furness, Bok South Philly, and Philadelphia Electrical and Technical Charter High Schools. They also work closely with organizations such as Catch and Community Integrated Services in efforts to provide mentally and physically challenged individuals the opportunity to be a part of the workforce as well as learn valuable life skills. Jim and his family have donated computers, sponsored programs, and donated gift cards all in the name of bettering educational opportunities for local children.
Young adults from Furness, South Philly, and Bok High Schools work at the store bagging groceries twice a week, throughout the school year. This learning experience has helped to increase students’ self-confidence and teach them new job-related skills.
The following ShopRite stores are owned and operated by this member.
ShopRite of Whitman Plaza