The MarketPlace IGA in Cloverdale will be closing its doors next month, affecting 35 workers, but a replacement anchor tenant could be announced as soon as this week.
Customers are “shocked and wondering what’s going to happen here,” store manager and franchisee Ron Day said.
Staff learned Jan. 2 the store will close at at the end of February, after serving the community since 1997.
“We’re still in a little bit of shock,” he said.
Day will retire after 46 years in the grocery business; the last 19 in Cloverdale.
He said he is focusing on trying to help staff find new jobs in retail in the area.
“It’s important to me that I find jobs for my staff.”
Many have worked at the grocery store for a years; two since the beginning. “It’s a tight-knit group.”
It’s possible a different grocery store could move into the 17710 56 Avenue location, but there’s been no concrete information on what may happen next, Day said.
“For the consumers of Cloverdale, I hope it all works out well.”
MarketPlace IGA is the anchor tenant of Clover Square Village, a shopping centre owned by Clover Square Holdings, a holding company of Standard Life Insurance.
“There will be a replacement,” said Barry Holmes, the property manager for Colliers International. “I’m not at liberty to discuss it right now.”
He said an announcement is imminent, but couldn’t yet reveal who the new anchor merchant will be.
As news of the closure spread, so did concern of a gap in service for residents in the historic town centre.
The nearest full-service grocery store is at Cloverdale Crossing at 64 Avenue and 176 Street.
“If they don’t have a replacement lined up, it’s going to be especially hard on seniors and others living downtown who don’t have cars,” said area resident Patrick Sharkey. “Where are they going to shop?”
Downtown Cloverdale lost a corner grocery – Cloverdale Market at 58 Ave. and 176 St. – a couple of years ago. Long-time residents still lament the closure of the Safeway in the former Cloverdale Shopping Plaza mall.
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