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WELL-KNOWN grocery chain SpartNash, which operates 200 stores under names like Family Fare and VG’s Grocery, has announced the closure of four locations.
The move reflects a change for classic supermarkets as more shoppers gravitate toward budget-friendly options such as Dollar General.
Four locations with be closing in 2025[/caption]
Only two Family Fare locations have been announced so far[/caption]
Earlier this week, a SpartanNash spokesperson confirmed the four closures, stating that they are set to occur in the coming weeks.
The affected stores include three Family Fare locations in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and Glenwood, Iowa.
An undisclosed location, alongside a VG’s Grocery store in Caro, Michigan, will also be shutting its doors.
WIDER IMPACT
The closures will lead to over 120 layoffs across the three announced stores.
This includes 45 jobs at the Chippewa Falls store and 23 at the Glenwood Family Fare locations.
These numbers highlight a significant impact on employees as well as the wider community.
WQOW News 18 reported the closures in a Facebook post.
Comments from community members expressed a mix of sadness and frustration; some noted the challenges of losing a local grocery store.
One person shared, “What the heck is going on? Is everything closing or going bankrupt around here? Maybe they should all lower their prices. So people can afford to buy stuff! Greed doesn’t get anybody anywhere.
Another comment read, “Hopefully someone will buy it and continue to have a grocery store there. I know everyone states they’re overpriced, but so is Festival.
A third person wrote, “Don’t forget about Dollar General being close by. In my opinion, they have a good selection of grocery items.”
MOVING ON
The closure of four locations underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many mid-tier grocery chains.
SpartanNash attributed these closures to a slower-than-expected growth rate.
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Shoppers can save time by getting someone else to get their groceries for them using a variety of apps and services.
Instacart: Works with major retailers including Albertsons, ALDI, Costco, CVS, Kroger, Sam’s Club, and Wegmans. Groceries can be delivered as quickly as one hour and can be arranged to suit your schedule. However, prices can differ compared to those that are in-store. There is a $99 per year or $9.99 per month membership fee.
Amazon Fresh: This is an off-shoot of Amazon. It offers customers fresh groceries and household goods. The service works similarly to Instacart and offers same-day delivery and exclusive offers to those with Amazon Prime.
Walmart Grocery: Walmart shoppers can place orders via the Walmart app and either pick them up or have them delivered to their door. The retailer calls it “the easiest way to shop.”
Shipt: Membership costs $99 per year with unlimited free deliveries on orders over $35. It enables customers to speak directly with their assigned Shipt shoppers to make special requests. The company also works closely with Target.
Kroger Delivery: Kroger shoppers can get their groceries taken to their door at a delivery time that suits them. It also offers customers the chance to spend digital coupons so they do not miss out on key deals. However, the retailer’s service does not offer same-day delivery.
Target Same-Day Delivery: Orders can arrive within a few hours of being placed. Shoppers can get real-time updates on their orders which will allow for last-minute changes and special requests. Target states that there are “no delivery markups” and Target Circle deals are included. Shoppers can pay per delivery or become a Target Circle 360 member for unlimited deliveries.
In a November disclosure, the company noted that these markets lagged behind the broader U.S. grocery market in terms of growth.
The rise of discount retailers like Dollar General means that shopping trends have undoubtedly changed.
Offering competitive pricing and a growing selection of grocery items, Dollar General and the likes of Walmart continue to attract price-conscious shoppers.
