The supermarket world is always changing and the most recent one in doing it is located in Austin. The Natural Grocers chain announced that it will close one of its most popular stores after 15 years of service. Even though the announcement surprised many of its loyal customers, the company stated that the decision has to do with a lease renewal but they are not leaving the city. So, let’s find out more about this store in Austin.
Which store is closing in Austin?
The affected store is located in Arbor Walk, 10515 N. Austin. After opening its doors in 2010, it became one of the four stores that Natural Grocers has in Austin and one of the 25 that operate in Texas.
The closing will be the next 2nd of October, but from the 2nd of September the store began a full liquidation with discounts for all customers.
Big discounts in September
To say goodbye, Natural Grocers started a liquidation with a 25% discount on absolutely every product. So, clients could make the most of this opportunity until they are sold out. So, if you need fresh fruit, vegetables,dairy, meat, food supplements or body care and beauty products; this is your chance to get them cheaper! So, Austin people, run to Arbor Walk before it’s too late.
Why is the store in Arbor Walk closing?
The closure was confirmed by Kempler Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers, through an official announcement. According to his words, the reason for this closure is a pending lease renewal for the property.
Even though the company recognizes the news is disappointing, it also clarified that the aim is to reinforce its presence in Austin and not leave the city.
Supporting the employees
An important issue of any closure is the future of the employees. For this, Natural Grocers confirmed it is collaborating with them so that the transition is fair. These are the options offered to the employees:
- Opportunities to transfer to nearby stores
- Severance packages
- Continued medical benefits
This way the company seeks to keep its commitment with the human team that made possible its functioning for so many years in Austin.
Other stores available in Austin and its surroundings
Although the Arbor Walk store is closing, customers won’t be left with no options. Natural Grocers reminded that other stores will continue open in Austin and other near cities like:
- North Lamar Blvd: 4615 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 304.
- Cedar Park: 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd. G-17.
- Georgetown: 1301 W. University Ave.
- Temple: 3621 S. General Bruce Dr.
- Waco: 601 N. Valley Mills Dr.
This guarantees that loyal customers can keep buying organic products and food supplements without going too far.
Accompany with history
Natural Grocers is not any chain, its history goes back to the 50s when Margaret and Philip Isely founded the company in Colorado with barely $200.
This decision was made when Margaret got sick after the birth of their second child. Since she wasn’t getting any better with conventional medicine, she decided to try nutrition and a healthy diet. This way she experienced a significant improvement on her health, so they decided to share this lifestyle with more people through a store.
Today, their successors remain true to that philosophy: offering high-quality products at affordable prices, while also maintaining environmentally friendly practices. This mission has helped the company grow to more than 474 stores across the United States.
A partial farewell in Austin
Although the Arbor Walk store is closing, Natural Grocers expressed deep gratitude to the Austin community for 15 years of support. In the words of the founding family: “Thank you for supporting our unique store, our story, but most of all, our dream.”
For Natural Grocers, the closing of Arbor Walk is not the end of the road in Austin, but simply a new chapter. The chain will continue serving its customers through other stores in the area, keeping alive the mission that began over 70 years ago: helping people live healthier lives through good food.