A POPULAR grocery chain will shutter its doors after thirty years, with rising costs and stiff competition the reason to blame.
The family-owned Sparkle Market in Reynolds Plaza, in Transfer Pennsylvania will close its doors for the last time on October 30.
Sparkle Marketsin Transfer Pennsylvania will close for good on October 30[/caption]
Owner Tony Modarelli blamed the rising cost of living and Walmart for the “tough decision”.
He said: “We opened that store over 30 years ago. There were three grocery stores in Greenville plus us.
“Now the only thing left in Greenville is a Walmart, an Aldi and there’s not going to be anything in Transfer.
“Walmart, they can sell their groceries a lot cheaper than we can, to be honest with you.
“But they’re also selling tires, they’re selling groceries, they’re selling TVs — we’re selling groceries.”
He added: “We know almost everybody that shops there. Most of the people in the community.
“We supported baseball, little league up there. We supported churches. It’s going to affect the whole area.”
Sparkle Markets in Boardman, Warren and Brookfield will remain open.
Fans of the chain grocer flooded its Facebook post with comments after the announcement was made.
One person said: “The only place I like to stop. Friendly staff.
“Their weekly sale prices are hard to beat and they usually always have what is advertised unlike the bait and switch program others practice.
“Sad for the community as well.”
A second person said: “Oh no, you will be missed. Who buys meat at Walmart, not me.”
A third person added: “Very sad cause I love coming out to transfer to do some grocery shopping.
“I really love shopping there. Thank you for your service.”
While a fourth person added:” I love Reynolds Sparkle! I stop every few days and sad to see this!!!
“Guess I will make the drive out to Brookfield Sparkle and continue to shop.”
RETAIL BLOODBATH
Several other retailers across the United States have undergone mass closures after bankruptcy filings this year.
Big Lots recently confirmed its Chapter 11 filing after weeks of speculation and detailed plans for around 545 store shutdowns.
LL Flooring will also close half of its over 400 locations after a quiet bankruptcy filing and revert to an old name under its new ownership.
Some clothing retailers also took similar actions.
Express filed for bankruptcy in April and confirmed nearly 100 locations would shutter for good.
Rue21 also submitted another bankruptcy filing after one in the early 2000s and confirmed it would shut down all of its remaining stores.
