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Gale’s IGA closing after 76 years.
By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.
HART – Gale’s IGA grocery store is closing its doors for the final time Friday, Dec. 21, after 76 years in business.
The full-service grocery store, which offered a deli and bakery, will be officially closed for business as of 6 p.m. Friday, said Owner/Manager Susan Mull.
“It’s a been a struggle the last couple of years, and you can only struggle for so long,” Mull said.
The store had a difficult time competing with big box stores, such as Walmart and Meijer, she said. “It was a lack of local support. There was not enough cash flow.”
“People complained about our prices, but we were in the same ballpark.”
As the store shelves emptied, the store cut prices to 50 percent for the last remaining days of operation.
Management notified the store’s 30-35 full- and part-time employees right after Halloween of the decision to close, Mull said.
The building will be for sale.
“We’re getting a lot of hugs today. We’re going to miss our customers.”
This story is copyrighted © 2018, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
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