Last Friday, Whole Foods Market announced plans to close its store in the Anglewood area of Chicago, six years after the grocery store opened with great fanfare.
The South Side stores are among the six planned closures announced by the nationwide grocery store chain, including the second on the Chicago Dipl University campus.
The agency said the decision was “part of a plan to position the Whole Foods market for long-term success.”
“We support the team members affected by this change and hope that all interested, qualified team members will find a position in our other locations,” a Whole Foods spokesman said during the announcement.
Meanwhile, just days before the announcement, on the other side of town, Grocers announced the opening of a new, 65,956-square-foot Whole Foods Market inside the One Chicago High-Rise Building at 3 W. Chicago Ave. The border between the Chicago River North and the Gold Coast neighborhood.
According to a news release, “The store's design has been inspired by the historic houses, storefront and gourmet restaurants in the surrounding area, with elegant arches, recycled handmade tiles and glossy brick-like elements.”
The store has a full-service seafood counter with fresh oysters, a taproom and a full-service coffee bar.
The release states that the new store is located at 30 W. Huron St.
City officials have criticized the company's decision to move out of the South Side position, including Chicago Mayor Laurie Lightfoot, who called the move “disappointing.”
“My immediate concern is for workers in both positions. Amazon must now take clear action to protect those workers as they move toward new opportunities,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Having been to these two stores many times over the years, I saw first hand how those employees gave their heart and soul to make the stores a success. Together with both the community and local elected leaders, my administration will work to restore these locations. Keeps up and supports businesses in the neighborhood. We as a city will continue to work hard to close the food deserts that meet the needs of the community at the table with the community.
The Amazon-owned company did not specify a closing date, saying six closed stores would close next month.
The 18,000-square-foot Englewood store, located at 832 W. 63rd Street, opened in 2016 at the relentless push of then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, amid concerns that poor South Side Ward residents would be able to shop there. It requires about $ 11 million in city subsidies to prepare the site.
There is a small market in the vicinity of Englewood in Chicago, Aldi, at 620 W. 63rd St, now the largest grocery store in the area of 12,000 square feet.
There are several specialty markets in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, including Jewel-Asco in 550 N. State St. and Joe's, a trader in 44 N. Ontario.
Streeterville, less than a mile away, 255 AD. Grande, another Whole Foods location.
