A popular supermarket in Wisconsin is set to close its doors in just three weeks.
The Piggly Wiggly location will close in mid-June. Shoppers believe the closure is due to rising inflation affecting many businesses.
Customers have expressed disappointment, noting that inflation drives many stores out of business. The supermarket, a staple in the community, will be missed by many who rely on it for their groceries and daily needs.
Piggly Wiggly Closing Next Month
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Brookfield, Wisconsin, about 15 miles west of downtown Milwaukee, will close on June 15.
The store in Elmbrook Plaza will close next month. Earl Brunelle, the store's general manager, stated that owner Tony Sendik decided to close the store.
Brunelle mentioned that an announcement about the closure would be posted in-store this week for shoppers. While the exact reason for the closure is unclear, Brunelle cited high employee costs and low sales as potential factors. He also noted that the store is in an older building that requires significant maintenance.
Sendik posted a letter in the store informing employees of the closure. They had previously been told that the Piggly Wiggly might close in May.
Rumors circulated on social media and a neighborhood website in March, suggesting the store would close on May 11.
The store was originally a Sendik's and rebranded as a Piggly Wiggly in 2012.
Piggly Wiggly permanently changed grocery shopping worldwide, but its whimsical name remains a mystery. According to the company's website, founder Clarence Saunders never thoroughly explained its origin. He let various stories circulate without confirming or denying them.
One story suggests Saunders saw pigs struggling under a fence during a train ride, inspiring the name "Piggly Wiggly." Another tale claims Saunders chose the name so people would ask about it. Despite the uncertainty, the name has proven memorable, continuing to intrigue people over 100 years later.
Community Reacts to Piggly Wiggly Closure
According to The U.S. Sun, grocery store analyst David Livingston, the closure of the Piggly Wiggly in Brookfield was not a surprise but came with mixed messages over the last two months.
"Perhaps word got out too soon, and the owner didn't want employees jumping ship too early," Livingston told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, noting that retailers have struggled with staffing issues.
"This location hasn't turned out well for a grocer in the past 40 years," Livingston added. He pointed out that sales in the area were challenging due to nearby competition, including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Target.
Many residents expressed sadness over the store's impending closure on Facebook.
"Sad inflation is driving everything out," said one local.
"NO, NO, NO!! One of our favorite stores!! Why????" asked another.
A third shopper mentioned they preferred Piggly Wiggly despite living closer to Pick 'n Save. "The employees were always really nice. Even though I lived closer to Pick 'n Save, I'd take the extra time to go to the pig. Sad to see it go," they wrote.
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