As Quickly As It Expanded, The Fresh Market Is Leaving Sacramento Area
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A specialty grocery chain that expanded in our area just months ago is reversing course and calling it quits.
The Fresh Market announced on Thursday it will close its stores in the Sacramento area—one in Elk Grove, another in Fair Oaks and the third in Roseville.
All three of those locations were closed when we drove by on Thursday.
We saw a parade of unsuspecting, would-be customers disappointed at the front doors.
"The place was always empty," said Sharon Gerber. "They had a great salad bar, and their free coffees were great in the morning, so we'll miss that."
They're sad to see The Fresh Market go, saying the store carried things nobody else did.
But some aren't exactly shocked, pointing out it always seemed slow.
The first location opened in October 2012, with two more coming just last September, promising 180 new jobs—many, if not all, likely lost.
"Oh well, Walmart does it again I guess," said Barbara Stewart. "I don't know what to say, but we need places like this."
Business soured almost overnight. The Greensboro, N.C.-based retailer had a lackluster year in 2013, with fourth-quarter profits plummeting by 90 percent.
Now loyal customers have no choice but to find somewhere else.
The signs say they'll be back open at 8 a.m., but the company says within the next week, all three will be done for good.