Only two weeks after the news that Lucky’s Market would be closing all but one Florida store Earth Fare, announced that it it would also be closing its doors.
According to its own news release, Earth Fare, with recently opened stores in Orlando, Lake Nona, Ocala and Rockledge will close those stores and the rest of the Earth Fare locations in the Eastern United States, much to the chagrin of those who appreciate the natural, organic food chain.
Company officials cited “challenges in the retail industry impeded the company’s progress as well as its ability to refinance its debt.”
Inventory liquidation at all Earth Fare stores will begin today, the company announced in a press release Monday Corporate offices are also closing with the company working to sell its remaining assets.
“Earth Fare has been proud to serve the natural and organic grocery market, and the decision to begin the process of closing our stores was not entered into lightly. We’d like to thank our team members for their commitment and dedication to serving our customers, and our vendors and suppliers for their partnership,” the company said in a statement.
Earth Fare operates about 50 stores. The chain says all employees have been notified of the impending closure of the company’s stores and corporate office.
“As a result, Earth Fare is not in a financial position to continue to operate on a go-forward basis,” a statement from Earth Fare said. “As such, we have made the difficult, but necessary decision to commence inventory liquidation sales while we continue to engage in a process to find potential suitors for our stores.”
The food retail industry is crowded with everyone from Amazon to dollar stores selling natural foods, and Earth Fare had positioned itself as a grocer with a goal to raise food industry standards.
