SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) – Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland announced Friday that Kroger is closing a location in the city in March.
The store at 1822 S. Limestone Street will close on March 4. This will be the second Kroger closure in Springfield following the closure of the location on Home Road.
“The closure will have an adverse impact not only in terms of lost jobs in our community, but also on our friends and neighbors in the surrounding neighborhoods who have long depended on the South Limestone Kroger for their shopping needs,” Copeland said. “We are extremely mindful of the void that this will create for area residents who already find retail options in their neighborhoods to be limited.”
In a statement, Kroger said: “As part of the Restock Kroger plan, the company will utilize more of its capital to fund technology and infrastructure upgrades to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience by accelerating digital growth in the region. Kroger will continue operating at the 1822 South Limestone location through Tuesday, March 4, 2020. Kroger employs 69 associates at the South Limestone location. All associates will be given the opportunity to transfer to another location.”
Mayor Copeland feels the community has been blindsided by the closure, and worries about the fate of the workers and residents who relied on the store.
“I’m really frustrated because I have met with Kroger over the years, always to try to get it improved. They would always say, ‘Well, we don’t think it’s worth investing more, but we’re not going anywhere, we’ll stay.’ Well, that’s changed now,” he said.
Springfield is reaching out to community stakeholders and organizations to talk about grocery options after the announcement.
“The interests and wellbeing of those in our community remains our top priority and we will continue to work tirelessly to improve the day-to-day lives of everyone in Springfield,” Copeland said.
