Deptford Town Center is moving toward its next round of openings, with Nordstrom Rack opening October 29, First Watch targeting December, and construction advancing for several other businesses.
The rebuilt shopping center across from Deptford Mall already welcomed Aldi and Tractor Supply within the last 18 months. I stopped by today for a look at the latest progress—and a sneak peek inside First Watch!
Nordstrom Rack Opens October 29
Nordstrom Rack officially opens Thursday, October 29. A shopping preview is scheduled two days earlier, although the website shows the available reservations are already filled!
Based on comments on the 42Freeway Facebook page and in local town groups, there’s considerable excitement about this retail addition.
Nordstrom Rack is the discount-focused sibling of Nordstrom, offering clothing, shoes and accessories at savings that can range from 30–70%.
The merchandise includes past-season products, overstock and other inventory from Nordstrom, along with items sourced directly for Rack. A simpler, self-service layout organizes merchandise by size and category, and the changing selection gives shoppers reasons to return.
During my visit peeking in from the outside, some minor construction work remained, but the store appeared stocked, with employees inside preparing for opening.
First Watch Sneak Peek
First Watch sits between Aldi and Nordstrom Rack, and its opening is another frequent reader question.
The First Watch team told me yesterday that they expect to open in December, although a specific date has not been finalized.
The approximately 3,800-square-foot restaurant includes a covered front patio, with combined indoor and outdoor seating for 140 guests.
I was invited in to take a peek, and the space is beautiful. From outside, you might not realize how much seating it offers!
Seating, lighting and design elements are installed, along with the full kitchen. It appears the remaining work involves final construction details before staff hiring and training begins.
First Watch expects the Deptford opening to create approximately 30 jobs, with hiring beginning in November. Its daytime schedule means employees work one daily shift, with no night shifts!
The restaurant will operate from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving breakfast, brunch and lunch. Dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients, in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers.
Favorites include avocado toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and Million Dollar Bacon, plus a seasonal menu that changes throughout the year.
Blinds to Go, Chase and Aspen Dental
To the left of First Watch, Blinds to Go is taking shape as a relocation from its Hurffville Road store.
One aspect I like about this redevelopment is how each storefront gets its own distinct facade. Blinds to Go will feature a full glass front, explaining the tall steel supports now visible. I don’t have an opening timeline.
Out in the parking lot, steel now outlines the new Chase Bank building. Chase has been expanding across South Jersey, including locations in Washington Township and along Blackwood-Clementon Road in front of ShopRite.
The current state of the steel frame reminds me of the Betsy Ross House monument in Philadelphia, where her home was outlined in steel to show its location and size.
Aspen Dental was also approved for a freestanding building, although I haven’t reviewed the full site plan to confirm its placement.
Recently removed parking-lot asphalt along the property’s left edge appears to indicate where that building will rise.
To me, that placement makes sense: the pad buildings would occupy an area where parking demand appears lighter than in front of the busier tenants farther right.
Links and Location
Nordstrom Rack – Deptford
1775 Deptford Center Rd
Deptford, NJ 08096
