A popular grocery store chain, Save A Lot, has revealed plans to close one of its stores permanently. The store in Hubbard, Ohio, is scheduled to shut its doors for the last time on Monday, April 1.
This closure is part of a larger trend of the chain closing down several of its locations.
Store Closure Notice Posted on Door
Customers found out about a local supermarket's shutdown when a note appeared on the store's front entrance, as reported by NBC affiliate WFMJ. The message informed them that the store would be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 1, its final day.
Following that brief window, the budget-friendly grocery store will permanently cease operations. The closure was planned for March, but a legal intervention delayed the shutdown, extending the store's life for a little while longer.
News about the closure of a local store started spreading when it was discovered that the owners hadn't paid thousands of dollars in rent. Court documents reveal that Hubbard Food Store LLC, behind the store, is behind on rent by $425,074.70.
The store was supposed to shut down earlier in the month, but a legal discussion stopped it from happening right away.
Despite spending over two hours trying to resolve the issue in civil court, the owners of the Hubbard Save-A-Lot store couldn't reach an agreement.
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A disagreement over the cost of rent between the store's operators and the landlord was reported by CBS affiliate WKBN. Hubbard Food Store LLC, the company running the store, allegedly agreed to a 67% increase in rent initially but decided against renewing the lease after the landlord asked for an even higher increase, which was beyond what the store could manage.
As a result, the store will shut down, affecting both the community, which will lose a valuable grocery resource, and the employees, who will face job losses. "The community will lose a grocery store, and our employees will lose their jobs," the company stated.
In a heartfelt message, Hubbard Food Stores expressed its gratitude towards the community for its support since 2011 and acknowledged the dedication of its employees. "We truly wish the results of lease discussions would be different," the company lamented, hoping for a different outcome.
Community Mourns Grocery Store Closure
The impending closure of a beloved low-cost grocery store has left shoppers expressing their sadness and concern. One customer shared her feelings on Facebook, saying, "Sad to see it go. I shop a lot there."
Another local highlighted the broader impact of the store's closure, particularly on those who rely on its proximity. "I feel bad for not only the employees but also so many that aren't able to drive out of town if they choose," they commented, noting that several people walk to Save A Lot for their grocery needs.
Another shopper emphasized the significance of Save A Lot's affordable prices, expressing dismay over losing a budget-friendly shopping option. "This is so very sad. So many people rely on the lower prices of Save A Lot compared to the other options in town," the customer lamented.
Recent reports by The U.S. Sun have noted that the chain has been facing a series of store closures, affecting communities that depend on its affordable offerings.
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