Two well-known grocery chains have shut down many of their stores in the same city after merging, leaving several customers upset.
The companies announced on Tuesday that they have closed at least 35 stores.
35 Chicago Stores Close After Merger
Customers who often shopped at Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market in Chicago, Illinois, now need to look for other shopping options. This change comes after a report from Block Club Chicago.
Notices were placed at both high-end grocery chains around the city, informing customers of their permanent closure.
Altogether, 33 Foxtrot locations and two Dom's Kitchen & Market stores have been closed.
Foxtrot had additional stores operating in Austin, Dallas, and Washington DC.
In November 2023, the two companies announced a merger, forming Outfox Hospitality.
Following the merger, company leaders stated that this strategy would support the new brand's expansion and help alleviate financial issues at Foxtrot, which had previously resulted in significant job cuts.
Dom's Kitchen & Market announced on their website that, after careful consideration, Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market will close permanently starting April 23, 2024. The company expressed regret, noting they had explored all possible options to keep the business running but were unable to find a feasible solution.
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As of Tuesday, all Dom's and Foxtrot stores have been closed. The chains have also stopped all deliveries, deactivated their mobile apps, and discontinued store credit cards. Furthermore, all account credits and membership benefits at Foxtrot and Dom's were canceled effective immediately.
The company statement highlighted the gravity of their decision: "This decision was not made lightly. We understand its impact on our loyal customers and our hardworking team members. We are deeply grateful for your support over the years. Serving you has been our highest honor, and it has been a privilege to be a part of your daily lives."
Surprise and Sadness at Foxtrot Closures
As reported by The U.S. Sun, confusion and surprise greeted customers and employees at Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market locations on Tuesday. Photos from the scene captured staff members embracing and leaving behind merchandise, while customers scrambled to purchase their favorite items one last time.
Many expressed their dismay online and in person. One customer on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared, "I am personally devastated by this Foxtrot news." Another said their move to Chicago was influenced by the presence of Foxtrot, noting, "My apartment is literally two doors down from a Foxtrot store. Their selection is the best, and I even budgeted specifically for shopping there."
Employees were equally affected. Kayla Pineda, a store worker, learned about the closures through a call from her manager. "For many of us, this job is our only income," she remarked, highlighting the precarious situation for staff relying solely on their earnings from Foxtrot.
Local businesses and customers also empathized with the sudden job losses, criticizing the lack of notice given to employees. Illinois law mandates a 60-day notification for mass layoffs at businesses with 75 or more workers, but it remains unclear whether Outfox Hospitality complied with this requirement.
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