Local business, economy, and employers
Nike's Hoboken location at 222 Washington Street has permanently closed, less than three years after opening in January 2023. The closure marks another shift in the retail landscape of the popular Hudson County shopping district.
The NJx Venture Summit held in Skillman brought together an impressive gathering of New Jersey's startup ecosystem, featuring 40 innovative companies and attracting hundreds of participants. The event highlighted the state's growing strength in emerging technology sectors including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and clean energy solutions, demonstrating the vibrancy and diversity of New Jersey's innovation landscape.
Two New Jersey-based sandwich chains have earned recognition on USA Today's list of America's favorite sandwich spots. PrimoHoagies and Jersey Mike's, both homegrown New Jersey establishments, made the cut on the national ranking, highlighting the state's strong presence in the casual dining and quick-service restaurant sector.
Sustainable fashion brand Reformation has expanded its New Jersey footprint by opening a second location in Princeton at Palmer Square. The move marks the retailer's continued growth in the state's retail market, following the success of its initial New Jersey store.
NJBIZ hosted a panel discussion examining the challenges family-owned businesses face when planning for succession and growth across generations. The event featured experts from established firms including Flaster Greenberg PC, Forvis Mazars, and Highland Financial Advisors LLC, who shared insights on strategies for ensuring multigenerational success in family enterprises.
Atlantic Health System has announced the appointment of David Nosacka, MHA, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 17. In this key leadership role, Nosacka will oversee the health system's financial strategy and performance, working to ensure Atlantic Health remains positioned to advance its mission of building healthier communities through clinical excellence and innovation.
Dän Bakery + Cafe is set to open in Hoboken, bringing a new dining destination to the area. The bakery and cafe concept represents a fresh business arrival in the community, though specific details about location, opening timeline, and menu offerings are forthcoming as the establishment prepares for its debut.
The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) has opened early registration for the 2026 MADE in NJ Manufacturing Day event. This annual celebration marks 30 years of NJMEP's commitment to supporting New Jersey's manufacturing industry across the state. The program invites manufacturers and industry stakeholders to participate in this milestone year of advocacy and community engagement for the sector.
BioNJ, a trade association focused on New Jersey's life sciences industry, has opened a new satellite office at HELIX in New Brunswick. This expansion allows the organization to increase its presence in the state and provide greater support and expertise to emerging life sciences companies across New Jersey. The new office location positions BioNJ to better serve the growing biotech and pharmaceutical sector in the region.
MBI, a government affairs and consulting firm, announced the addition of Kemani A. Scott and Ethan Reisbord to its team. The hires strengthen MBI's government affairs and client advocacy capabilities. MBI President Rudy Garcia noted the firm's long-standing work relationship with Scott prior to his formal joining of the organization.
Chef Ryan DePersio has established himself as a prominent figure in New Jersey's culinary landscape, operating multiple successful restaurants and expanding his presence with new ventures. Known for his Italian cuisine and television appearances, DePersio divides his time between managing his existing establishments and developing future dining concepts, including sourcing wines directly from Italy for upcoming projects.
New Jersey joined 11 other Democratic-led states in filing a lawsuit to block Paramount's proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The multistate legal action reflects concerns about the merger's competitive implications in the media and entertainment sector, with state attorneys general taking coordinated action to challenge the deal.
A former school teacher in South Orange has launched a wellness boutique that combines apothecary products with curiosity shop offerings. Kris Haas founded the business during the pandemic, focusing on making wellness accessible and approachable through simple daily practices that customers can easily integrate into their routines. The store reflects her philosophy of bringing wellness into everyday life in a way that feels attainable for the community.