Supermarket shoppers furious at ‘out of control’ closures as another chain cuts two branches – even in ‘fast-growing’ area

SHOPPERS have expressed outrage after a supermarket chain announced it would close more stores.

The store said in a press release that it would remain operational for a limited time.

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Senior data analyst at Foundation for Government Accountability shared on X that inflation was to blame for the retailer’s closure.

“Runaway inflation is affecting even the most upscale supermarkets, and it’s not just Trader Joe’s that’s feeling the heat,” Kristi Stahr (@KristiMStahr) he wrote.

“Despite Fresh Market being in one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S., with new developments popping up monthly, our neighborhood store is closing its doors.”

The post included a press release from the supermarket.

“To our valued guests,” the statement began.

“We at The Fresh Market would like to thank you for your support and sponsorship,” the statement continued.

“Unfortunately, we are closing our 3468 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL store and will miss being part of the community.”

“Our store will remain operational for a short period of time and we ask that you continue to shop with us until the final closing date”

The statement continues with the grocer telling its customers that they “value the trust you have placed in us to deliver delicious meals, unique products and an unparalleled shopping experience.”

Fresh Market implored shoppers to visit its other locations in Tampa and Lakewood Ranch “for all your shopping needs.”

Fresh Market announced Thursday that it would close its Birmingham, Alabama, store.

One shopper said he learned of the store’s closure through an unusual email.

“Say it ain’t so…but a friend sent me this disturbing notification a while ago that our Lithia Pinecrest Fresh Market will be closing,” the shopper said in a Facebook post.

“That’s going to be a big place to fill… and they haven’t permanently filled the old Stein Mart location yet… maybe a Spirit Halloween Superstore.”

Like the press release, the email thanked its “valued guests” for their patronage and asked them to continue shopping until the store closed.

Neither the store nor the email revealed when the official closing date will be.

Fresh Market shoppers were upset by the sudden news.

“Very sad to see them go, I loved going there and stepping up the cooking game on certain days,” commented one customer. “Great atmosphere too.”

“We will miss them so much,” echoed another.

In an official statement, the retailer stated that the decision to close the two stores came after a “regular review” and “detailed organizational analysis”.

“We are committed to supporting our affected team members by facilitating transfers to nearby The Fresh Market locations, and for those who are unable to transfer, we will provide severance packages to ease their transition,” the statement read.

The closure of this grocery store follows Stop and Shop announcing it would close 32 stores.