PARAMUS, N.J. (1010 WINS)  -- The iconic chain, Fairway Market, opened its first store west of the Hudson Wednesday to an eager crowd of shoppers in Paramus, New Jersey.


Steve Sandberg Reports

Hundreds of shoppers lined up armed with their green shopping carts, hours before the store opened, to step into Fairway, which according to its motto, is "Like no other market."

" The price is the draw right now because my husband is unemployed and I'm trying to save," said shopper Maria from New Milford who stood at the front of the line of eager customers looking for deals.

There is a large and varied organic food section and shoppers also can find a wide variety in the deli, prepared food, and fresh meat and fish departments.

Fairway has an extensive kosher section, a kosher butcher on staff and a rabbi on the premises, which makes this week’s opening especially timely with Passover less than two weeks away.

It also carries a full selection of national brands,but has few of the less expensive store brands, which are big at other traditional supermarket chains.

Gov. Jon Corzine says the new store is a sign of confidence in the Garden State economy by "inviting 350 people or more to get jobs at a very tough time."

Inset Photo by Steve Sandberg