Alpha Graphics Leaving Summit

Alpha Graphics, the design and printing franchise branch which has been in Summit since 1989, will be moving its business to New Providence next month. Owner, Michael Tan said the rent was too high and customers often would have difficulty finding convenient parking nearby. 

"I was surprised how important it was for our customers to find parking," Tan said. "I've had some customers get frustrated looking for a place to park and just leave." He said typically, customers will come to the store to pick up large quantities of boxes and parking several blocks away or more can be very inconvenient. 

"We're moving to a light industrial park in New Providence where parking is free and the rent is significantly less," Tan added.

Tan, who has been the branch's owner since 2002, said he will miss Summit despite the advantages the move will provide for the store and clients.

"We are sincerely going to miss Summit and we hope this change will not affect our current business relationships and in fact, we hope the change will be able to foster new relationships."

He explained that many of his customers are not in New Jersey. "So far, many of our accounts are looking forward to this change," Tan said. "Accessibility really has a lot to do with it."

He noted that business overall has shifted over time to online.

"After the Short Hills Mall came in a few years ago, we took a bit of a hit but it's more than that," Tan said. "Nowadays, business has changed.  Everyone does things online."

Alpha Graphics also has locations in Morristown, Mountainside, Parsippany, Westfield and Basking Ridge.