This Longtime Rio Grande Business Is Closing After 22 Years

Over the last 25 years, South Jersey year-round residents and seasonal visitors have seen plenty of changes around the region. From businesses changing ownership to old landmarks torn down and replaced with new properties, it has been wild to think about how the region has transformed over the years.

In New Jersey's southernmost county, one of the biggest business hubs in Cape May County can be found in Rio Grande. Located at the intersection of Route 47 and Route 9, just minutes outside of Wildwood, this is where some of the most frequented retail outlets are located.

Every day, hundreds of customers visit Walmart, Lowe's, ShopRite, PetSmart, and AutoZone, along with getting gas at Wawa, coffee at Dunkin, plus watching movies and bowling at Cape Square Entertainment.

But years ago, some of the businesses that used to be in Rio Grande include K-Mart, Jamesway, and a New Jersey Motor Vehicles Agency location.

This Retail Outlet is closing after 22 years in Rio Grande

What is known today as County Commons is where the K-Mart and Sav-A-Lot stores used to be located 15 years ago. Anyone over the age of 35 might remember the old Rick’s Twin Movies Theater in the same shopping mall.

Today, County Commons is home to the VA Outpatient Clinic, Cape Square Entertainment, Middle Township Police Substation, Cape May County Human Services, Tractor Supply Company, and Cape May Dance Company.

But multiple reports have come out online that Monday, June 22nd was the final day for the Rent-A-Center in Rio Grande. Almost 23 years ago, the RAC first opened next to where Save-A-Lot use to be open. But in the years since Rent-A-Lot first opened, the shopping complex, along with the Rio Grande area, have undergone a lot of changes.

There is no official word about who could be taking over the now closed Rent-A-Center. But considering the entire complex has upgraded in quality in the years since Cape Square Entertainment opened (author's note: the shopping complex was rundown and attracted shady individuals 15-20 years ago), I would expect a similar high-caliber business will eventually move into the County Commons.