Local shoppers are lamenting the closure of a favourite grocery store.
Thrifty Foods on Marine Drive in North Vancouver is closing for good on Friday, after more than 14 years in business.
Rumours that the centrally located grocer was shutting down were confirmed by the store’s parent company, Sobeys Inc., on Monday.
“On June 11, we announced [internally] the closure of our Marine Drive Thrifty Foods store in North Vancouver,” spokesperson Tshani Jaja said in an email.
Sobeys was asked why it was shutting down the store.
“This decision was not made lightly, as many factors are carefully considered when determining the future of a store,” Jaja said.
Sobeys was also asked how many jobs would be lost with the closure.
“We are deeply appreciative of the dedication and service our Marine Drive team has provided to the community,” she said. “We are working closely with all impacted employees to support them through this transition, including providing assistance for those exploring new career opportunities, both within and outside the company.”
Company encourages shoppers to visit Edgemont Village location
Jaja said Sobeys thanks the North Vancouver community for its loyal support over the years.
“We encourage our valued customers to continue shopping with us at our nearby Thrifty Foods Edgemont store … where they’ll continue to find the exceptional products and service they’ve come to expect,” she said.
Cathy Lamoureux said she’s a faithful patron of the Marine Drive location.
“The reason I make the trek from my home in Cypress Park, West Vancouver, passing many grocery stores along the way, is for the service provided by the experienced, knowledgeable and friendly staff,” she said.
Lamoureux knows many of the staff on a first-name basis, and said she was disappointed to learn that some of them hadn’t yet been offered jobs at other Sobeys-owned stores.
“Particularly owing to the fact of the excellent service they have provided to their customers for so many years,” she said.
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