The last remaining location of a major supermarket chain is expected to permanently close its doors within weeks.
Cooper’s Foods in St Paul, Minnesota has been serving customers for over a hundred years.
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The store will close June 27, spokeswoman Sara Cooper told ABC News affiliate KSTP.
“With a heavy heart, I am sharing that our family will be closing our last remaining grocery store,” Sara wrote on Facebook publish on May 19, confirming the end of the supermarket chain.
“We have been honored to serve the West 7th community since 1992.”
No reason was given for the closure of the family-owned grocery store that has been in operation since 1917.
However, this comes just months after the Chaska location closed in March after 107 years.
At the time, the Cooper family said elderly owners Gary and Sandy could no longer bear the “financial burden” of continuing business in the area.
After closing at the end of this month, local residents will have difficulty finding fresh produce within walking distance of the soon-to-be-closed supermarket.
The closest stores, including Trader Joe’s, are about 1.5 miles away.
St. Paul City Council member Rebecca Noecker spoke of her sadness at the loss of the chain’s “lifeline” and her desire to see local residents served by local retail after its closure.
“I was saddened to hear about the upcoming closing of Cooper’s Grocery Store on W. 7th,” Noecker he wrote in a Facebook post.
“For me and many members of the community, Cooper’s was not only a lifeline for fresh food, but also a place where you always connected with a friendly face.
“Keeping local retail strong is a priority for me, along W. 7th Street and in commercial corridors throughout the city.”
“I have reached out to our economic development team and we are ready to help ensure this part of W. 7th Street remains vibrant and provides the amenities the neighborhood needs,” she added.
71-year-old owner Gary Cooper said in February that it was the big-box stores that impacted sales at the Chaska location and led to its closure.
In 2017, the Cooper’s Foods store in Highland Park closed and was replaced by an Aldi store two years later.
However, the future of the final location remains unknown, with Cooper declining to comment on what it will be like when he speaks to Pioneer Press.
Stores selling at least $1,000 will close, says CEO
Dollar Tree, the parent company of Family Dollar, revealed that it would close about 1,000 stores over the next few years.
The company announced in March that it would close stores after the value of the discount retailer it acquired nearly a decade ago plummeted.
Dollar Tree plans to close about 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of this year.
This will be followed by the closure of 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores in the coming years.
The discount store chain also indicated that sales are being affected by the cost of living crisis and inflation.
But USA today added that Dollar Tree has also been hit by reduced government benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This has left families struggling to balance their finances, with up to $250 less per month.
“Somebody bought the building and it’s up to them what they want to do with it,” he said.
The 1950s-era building is 18,000 square feet and has attached parking with spaces for 47 vehicles.
Local residents have expressed their sadness at the news of the latest closure, with one saying it will be impossible to find a replacement.
“What a legacy your family has created in our community. This is a difficult loss!” one wrote in the comments to Sara Cooper’s announcement.
“So many trips to the grocery store for Cooper’s. I’m so sorry for his family, the wonderful employees and the community.”
“You have given us many years. You have saved our holidays by being open to replace the burnt turkey and we are there when we run out of milk late at night. Thank you for all of this!!” another said.
“It’s been a weekly destination for us since we moved to the neighborhood,” wrote a third.
“There is no substitute for it and we will miss it.”
Meanwhile, a relative called it “the end of an era” after five generations of Coopers worked for the family business.
“5 generations of family history – tears, sweat, laughter, blessings and struggles, many lessons learned and values instilled,” Amee Cooper Forest said of the closing.
“We should get together as a family at the store before the keys are handed over and toast Joe and Rose, Jake and Lil, your mom and dad, the many loyal customers and employees over the years.
“Cooper’s Foods deserves a proper goodbye.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
