In Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, a new grocer prepares to open its doors in a building that once housed a Walmart. This site has been empty since the supermarket shut down in April of the previous year.
Next month, shoppers can look forward to a new Sun Foods outlet, as The U.S Sun reports.
The store, sprawling over 180,000 square feet, is set to boost the area significantly. Having faced challenges since Walmart's closure, local businesses are welcoming this major development.
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Sun Foods Grocer to Replace Walmart, Boost Local Business
Many store owners in the vicinity shared how their sales were affected negatively when Walmart closed its doors in the city.
"It's been a tough time," admitted Ahmad Asmir, owner of Boost Mobile, reflecting on the period following Walmart's closure. "The whole neighborhood just vanished. We weren't seeing the usual foot traffic," Asmir explained.
The shutting down of Walmart hit surrounding businesses hard, including Boost Mobile, which saw a dramatic drop in customers who used to come from the Walmart crowd. "Our sales fell by nearly 60%," the store owner revealed.
"It's been a shaky year, to be honest," Asmir said, describing the challenges faced by his business.
However, a change is in the air. The City of Brooklyn Center has recently announced that Sun Foods grocery store will take over the empty Walmart space.
"We felt good actually. I'm happy to hear that," Asmir said with relief. "We're looking forward to the traffic coming back. The neighborhood is growing," he added, optimistic about the future.
Chris Gatlin, the property manager for Gatlin Development Company, is eager for a turnaround in Shingle Creek Crossing's fortunes. "We're just looking forward to some good traffic in the shopping center and reviving Shingle Creek, bringing it back to its former glory," Gatlin said.
He has witnessed the shopping center's fluctuating fortunes and is keen on rejuvenating the area with new restaurants and retail outlets.
"I think after we bring in the groceries, retail, and everything else, we'll see it rise back to its former levels. It'll be like having a new shopping center again," Gatlin stated.
Meanwhile, city officials share this enthusiasm. "There's a lot of excitement in the area," remarked Jesse Anderson, Brooklyn Center's community development director.
Several new businesses are set to open, including Chicago's Harold's Chicken, a Mexican restaurant taking over the former Applebee's location, and a beauty supply store where Discount Tire once stood.
"I believe this will draw people from the region and position Brooklyn Center as a multicultural destination," Anderson added.
Plans indicate that Sun Foods is expected to open in February. However, the decrease in foot traffic has already led to some closures, including Kids Foot Locker in Shingle Creek Crossing.
Sun Foods: Largest Market for Asian and International Foods
According to a review on Yelp by Shamir W., a Minneapolis local, the city boasts one of the largest markets for Asian and international foods.
The market, known for its extensive variety, offers canned foods, fresh produce, spices, seafood, meats, and even kitchen utensils, all conveniently located under one roof. It features a wide array of brands and a substantial collection of groceries.
The review notes that while the market generally has a vast selection, occasional items are hard to find, though the staff is reportedly helpful. The quality of meats received mixed feedback, but the prices were fairly reasonable.
This market is recommended as a destination for those seeking groceries not typically found at local stores like Cub or Hyvee. As a seasonal highlight, the market hosts a farmers market in its parking lot during the summer, offering fresh, locally-grown produce.
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