ALDI Rebuilding: Ilion, NY

During a different trip, I happened to be going eastbound on NY-5S, and what do I see? A new ALDI in Ilion!

But first, let's take go back to October 2017 when we covered the original ALDI. Pictures taken October 11, 2017.

Slightly upmarket location with a gabled roofline. This was torn down in late 2018.

Typical late 1990s/early 2000s ALDI interior, with low drop ceilings and golden tile flooring.

Store had these ratty-looking 2008 Wanzl shopping carts. Normally stores with Wanzls would have newer units.

The present day...

An empty parcel between the old store and an Ace Hardware was used to build this new, and quite large ALDI.

Past these vehicles is the site of the original ALDI.

In typical modern ALDI fashion, carts are doublewide Technibilts. Model 7142W, DoM 12/05/2017.

Plenty of natural light from the front windows.

Sizeable produce section. Everything is considerably spaced out given how large this store is.

The open ceiling above the front end is considerably higher, like a train station.

With that, stay tuned for the next ALDI rebuilding!

A Complete Conversion in Oneida

When I discovered Rite Aid was no longer in Oneida and Walgreens was, I figured I would show up to see exactly what has happened.

This might be something to expect from Walgreens. Surprisingly the handles didn't receive the tape job and got genuine Technibilt inserts with Walgreens labeling. This cart is dated 10/24/11.

While the one in East Greenbush is in the beginning stages of being transformed into a Walgreens, this location on Genesee St. in Oneida is complete.

Somehow they brought this crummy old United from the former RA in the Glenwood Shopping Center. This one is dated 3-96.

It is very clear many aisles were shifted due to the amount of intact full and half blue tiles that were under the original shelving.

Food center received a new coat of paint and Walgreens decor.

More blue tiles.

Someone on Reddit via the r/WalgreensStores subreddit told me the plastic carts did get the tape job. No rebadging on these Rehrigs.

The tape job doesn't entirely hide the RITE AID logo.


Meanwhile...

The Rite Aid in the Glenwood Shopping Center closed in order for the conversion to take effect. We'll eventually see what happens on Black River Road in Rome, NY once Rite Aid transitions to Walgreens there.

Kmart #4034

NOTE: Part of this post consists of archived material, while also providing some new material.

As I now have to drive over a hour (almost 2!!) to get to a Kmart, I figured I'd start with #4034 in Mattydale, NY.

Original pictures were taken on May 1, 2018.

Boxed-up grills as expected.

What's a Kmart without a classic air diffuser shot!

Manufacturer unknown, possibly Peggs, but none of the models on their resemble this. Also resembles the Advance Carts WelBuilt M178.

Original American Standard Tribor toilet. The other stall has one with a poorer flush. I believe this restroom originally had white vinyl tile, considering what the long-gone Colonie Kmart had in its restrooms. See this video for both 1971 American Standard Tribor toilets.

Technibilt #3440, 2011 model.

Technibilt #5341.

Update pictures were taken April 3, 2019. I didn't find it necessary to re-tour, not to mention I was in a rush when I visited.

Technibilt #3440, DoM 08/04/08.

The Great American Collection of Obscure Food Stores

With all the required material gathered, it is time to archive the obscurity of the Great American Food Stores.

PRATTSVILLE

• Dates Visited: March 1, 2018 and September 4, 2019; amended September 5, 2025
• Still Operating as of posting: Yes
• Operator: Jim Eisel, Jr.

This is not the original exterior. Was partially renovated after 2006 and before 2011. Originally looked like this.

Red Technibilt shopping carts from 2004 here.

Amazing that this vintage interior survived Hurricane Irene, considering the entire interior was flooded.

2007 Tote Cart Model 1212, originally from Slater's Marketplace. Source unknown.

Around 2020, this store got new signage. Not exactly an interesting sign choice. Also, this store has got a few grey 2005 Technibilt 3241 carts, blocked in by a safety cone.

WEST WINFIELD

• Date of Visit: May 21, 2018
• Still Operating as of posting: No. Store closed February 28, 2019. More on that in a future blog post.
• Operator: B&K

Former Commissary Technibilt, manufactured in 2008.

Foodking? What was it? It was clearly still around in 1995.

Dollar Zone of Best Yet products.

Great American Technibilt from 2005.

BOONVILLE

• Date of Visit: June 29, 2018
• Still Operating as of posting: No. Closed June 8, 2019.
• Operator: L.K.R. Enterprises (Lockwood Family)

Quite the Americana sign!

Express carts have red trim. Technibilt model 5341.

Regular carts have green trim. The model is 2638.

Sticker shows a date of what appears to be 2/16/10.

Sun shines on this child-sized cart, that is probably older than the Technibilt units.

Deli barn

Frozen foods

Dairy

Strange display for prepackaged baked goods.

SIDNEY

• Date of Visit: September 18, 2018
• Still Operating as of posting: No. Closed in November of 2022.
• Operator: B&K

Rather dark exterior shot.

The classic round air diffuser seen in several locations.

GREENE (VILLAGE)

• Date of Visit: September 26, 2018
• Still operating as of posting: No. Closed in April of 2023
• Operator: Unknown

This quaint little store has a nice postcard mural painted on the side of the building. Interestingly, this store has a massive parking lot despite its size. UPDATE: the pale yellow areas of the exterior were painted red and a Tractor Supply store was built in the back of the parking lot.

This Technibilt was manufactured in 2010.

WATERTOWN

• Date of Visit: October 11, 2018
• Still Operating as of posting: No. Closed November 5, 2019
• Operator: L.K.R. Enterprises (Lockwood Family)

This store was quite sad and run-down. According to people who commented on a news article relating to this store getting a barbecue and ice cream snack shack, this store originally opened as a Loblaws in the 1950s, and at some point, transitioning into Victory Markets/Great American.

STAR LAKE

• Dates Visited: February 6th and the 28th of March 2019.
• Still Operating as of posting: No. Closed November 5, 2019
• Operator: L.K.R. Enterprises (Lockwood Family)

This store is the newest in the Great American family. Was previously Padgett's, an IGA franchise which closed in April 2016 due to poor sales. The Lockwood Family, which owns the Boonville and Watertown locations, opened this store in July of the same year.

It is clear all fixtures from IGA were left behind, as evidenced by some of the aisle markers still having IGA logos.

The sign reads "'Butcher Block Meats."

This aisle marker has Great American decals on it.

Initially thought these were Tote Carts, but are actually old United Steel & Wire units. The cutout in the front is a good indicator. And yes, I am utilizing re-usable bags.

MFG. info, which lists the model and pat. no.

Aisle 5, also with Great American decals.

Bag Time!

Bags vary from operator to operator. Here is what I have so far:

Used by the B&K stores.

Used by the Lockwood-owned stores. Strange that the Best Yet nameplate even applies to shopping bags.

To wrap up this post, please feel free to comment! Feedback is greatly appreciated!

- Retail Regents