Very few businesses are as relied-upon as local grocery stores. Whether they're keeping the pantry stocked or picking up a treat, people count on them to have what they need—which can leave communities vulnerable when their local shop suddenly disappears. Now, one major grocery store chain has left residents reeling after a very abrupt closure. Read on to see which popular supermarket shut down for good, and why some are still in disbelief over the change.
READ THIS NEXT: This Iconic Clothing Chain Is Closing 40 Locations This Year.
Several major grocery chains have suddenly closed locations over the past year.
Unlike traditional retail operations, grocery stores typically find themselves relatively immune to the economic slumps that can spell doom for many businesses. But even so, several major supermarket chains have recently announced that they're closing locations.
In May, beloved regional grocer Sprouts Farmers Market said it would be closing four of its locations in California and one in Colorado, potentially due to increased rent and local competition, The Mercury News reported. And earlier that month, Whole Foods announced it would be closing six locations across Alabama, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois before June.
However, not all grocers give a heads up when planning to shutter locations, including a recent closure that has left residents without an alternative shopping option.
One major grocery chain recently shuttered a location without warning.
It's never good to lose a retailer you love. But when the Aldi grocery store in the Auburn Graham neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago shuttered on June 12, residents say they didn't receive so much as a hint from the store that it would be gone for good after 13 years, local affiliate CBS 2 reports.
"I came over myself to see, and it was closed. The gates were locked. The signs are all gone," resident and former customer Juanita Love told CBS 2.
Another former shopper said the closure completely caught them by surprise, telling the news outlet: "I was flabbergasted."
RELATED:For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Local officials say residents have dwindling options for basic necessities.
Unfortunately, the latest closure is one of a string of shutterings that has left the community with fewer essential resources and less access to grocery stores and pharmacies. Recently, the neighborhood also lost a Save A Lot grocery store, a BJ's Market & Bakery, and a CVS, local news outlet Block Club Chicago reports.
According to signs posted at the now-closed Auburn Gresham store, the next nearest Aldi location is three miles away, which is prohibitively far for many who live in the area. "That was a great hurt to not only me, but some of the seniors that don't drive and they have no transportation," Love told CBS 2.
A response from the grocery store chain cited burglary as one reason for the closing.
Local officials chastised the grocery chain for closing its doors without adequately warning the local community. But while representatives remained relatively silent leading up to the store's final days, they did offer an explanation when reached for comment by CBS 2.
"We've made the difficult decision to permanently close our store located at 7627 S. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. The store's final day of operation was Sunday, June 12," an Aldi spokesperson told the news station. "We do not take the closing of this location lightly. Our decision was based on several factors, including repeated burglaries and declining sales. Out of concern for our employees and customers, keeping this store open was no longer a sustainable option. All of our employees have been given the option to continue working at one of our other Aldi locations in the immediate area."
READ THIS NEXT: This Iconic Restaurant Chain Just Closed Its Last Location.
Zachary Mack Zach is a freelance writer specializing in beer, wine, food, spirits, and travel. He is based in Manhattan.Read moreFiled UnderFood • News • Retail • ShoppingRead This NextThis Popular Grocery Store Is Closing Stores
The company didn't give a reason, but sources raised some questions.May 19, 2022This Popular Chain Is Closing Stores
One company is continuing to shutter several locations this spring.June 8, 2022These Are All the Walmart Locations Closing
The retail giant is shuttering several stores over the next two months.April 26, 2022The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines for Extending Your Summer
Don't let September ruin a killer party. August 25, 201717 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring
Meet the bikes that cost more than a car.March 31, 2017Best Life Essentials
You deserve the best. Live life to the fullest with these ultimate essentials.October 21, 2016This Is the Safest Way to Store Meat
Don't let that filet set you up for food poisoning. February 7, 2018Here Are the 10 Wealthiest Cryptocurrency Millionaires Under 40
Including one guy who is only 24 years-old!February 7, 2018This Is the Safest Way to Clean Your Floors
Keep your floors clean and looking brand new with this easy tip. February 8, 2018
