St. Paris Mayor Brenda Cook said she learned of the closure from a sign posted at the store. “I was just shocked,” Cook said. “It’s a real disappointment for the town.”
Store managers did not provide comment as to why the store is closing and deferred to IGA’s corporate offices. Calls to corporate have not been returned.
»MORE: Springfield Dick’s Sporting Goods: Answers elusive on why store is closing
Marcia Bailey, economic development director for the Champaign Economic Partnership, said the store is closing because of an expiring lease.
For the time being, it is not clear what will happen to the building currently being leased to IGA. Bailey said she has spoken with Cook about attracting other grocery stores to the location, but that there are currently no plans for another business to move into the building.
“We already started making some phone calls for some alternative grocers to maybe go in and fulfill that need,” Bailey said. We’re not going to by any means just let the building sit there if we can get it utilized again.”
Bailey said she and Cook also discussed plans to make arrangements with OhioMeansJobs to help dislocated IGA employees find employment after the store closes.
»MORE: Dick’s Sporting Goods in Springfield closing: What people are saying
Without IGA, village residents will be limited in their options for groceries, Cook said.
“We’ve got a Dollar General that’s got quite a few small items (but) not a lot of choices, not many size variations, and very limited produce,” Cook said.
Residents can also buy from a locally-owned meat store in Christiansburg, Bailey said. Otherwise, they are limited to shop for groceries at locations including Urbana, Piqua, or New Carlisle.
The building is owned by 3 County Properties LLC, a business based in Springfield, according to the Champaign County Auditor’s website. Calls to the business were not immediately returned.
About the Author