Ahart’s Market owner George Ahart, who had to close the Bethlehem store in April, said the Allentown store will close as early as Nov.
“The Amazons and Walmarts of the world come into a neighborhood and don’t want just part of the local clientele.
Eric Davidson, spokesperson for shopping center property owner Regency Centers in Jacksonville, Florida, confirmed the company had a lease with Ahart’s Market, but declined to release further details on whether Grocery Outlet will in fact be the building’s next occupant.
“It’s going to hurt everyone because it’s a nice, easily accessible location to come grab what you need, even though I find some items to be expensive,” Lionel Izquierdo.
Eventually, the Bethlehem property owner approached CTown supermarket owner Juan Diaz, who bought the building for $2.3 million with plans to renovate and reopen it by this month as an Ideal Food Basket.
“I feel bad not just for our customers, but for our loyal employees,” he said.