THE last remaining location of a vital grocery store chain is set to permanently close its doors in a few weeks.
Cooper's Foods in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been serving shoppers for over 100 years.
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The store will shutter on June 27, spokesperson Sara Cooper told ABC News affiliate KSTP.
"With a heavy heart, I am sharing that our family will be closing our last remaining grocery store," Sara wrote in a Facebook post on May 19, confirming the end of the grocery store chain.
"We have been honored to serve the West 7th community since 1992."
No reason has been given for the closure of the family-run grocer that has been in operation since 1917.
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However, it comes just months after the Chaska location closed in March after 107 years.
At the time, the Cooper family said that the elderly owners Gary and Sandy could no longer shoulder the "financial burden" of continuing business in the area.
After the closure later this month, locals will be hard-pressed to find fresh produce within walking distance of the soon-to-be shuttered supermarket.
The nearest stores including Trader Joe's are all around 1.5 miles away.
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St. Paul City Council Member Rebecca Noecker spoke out about her sadness at the loss of the "lifeline" chain and her desire to see locals provided for by local retail after it closes.
"I was saddened to learn about the upcoming closure of Cooper's Grocery Store on W. 7th," Noecker wrote in a post on Facebook.
Much-loved bakery chain to close all locations for good
"For me and for so many community members, Cooper's had been not only a lifeline for fresh food but also somewhere you'd always connect with a friendly face.
"Keeping local retail strong is a priority for me, along W. 7th Street and commercial corridors citywide."
"I've connected with our economic development team, and we are ready to assist in making sure this part of W. 7th Street remains vibrant and provides amenities the neighborhood needs," she added.
71-year-old owner Gary Cooper said in February that it was big-box stores that had impacted sales at the Chaska location and led to its closure.
In 2017, Cooper's Foods' location in Highland Park shuttered and was replaced by an Aldi store two years later.
However, the future of the final location remains unknown with Cooper declining to comment on what it will become when speaking with Pioneer Press.
At least 1,000 dollar stores to close, CEO says
Dollar Tree, the parent company of Family Dollar, revealed it would close around 1,000 stores in the coming years.
The company announced in March that it will shutter the stores after the discount retailer it acquired nearly a decade ago plummeted in value.
Dollar Tree plans to close about 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of this year.
This will be followed by the shuttering of 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores over the next several years.
The chain of discount variety stores has also indicated that sales are being affected by thecost-of-living crisisand inflation.
ButUSA Todayadded that Dollar Tree has also been rocked by reduced government benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This has left families struggling to juggle finances, with as much as $250 less per month.
"Somebody bought the building and it’s up to them what they want to do with it," he said.
The building from the 1950s is 18,000 square feet with an adjoining parking lot with spaces for 47 vehicles.
Locals have expressed their sadness at the news of the latest closure with one saying that finding a replacement will be impossible.
"What a legacy your family has created in our community.This is a tough loss!" one wrote in the comments to Sara Cooper's announcement.
"So many grocery trips to Cooper's.I'm sorry for your family, the wonderful employees, and the community."
"You have given us many many years. You’ve saved our holidays by being open to replace the burned turkey and we’re there when we ran out of milk late at night. Thank you for all of that!!" another said.
"It's been a weekly destination for us ever since we moved into the neighborhood," a third wrote.
"There's no replacement for it, and we're going to miss it."
Meanwhile, a relative called it "the end of an era" after five generations of Coopers worked for the family business.
"5 generations of family history - tears, sweat, laughter, blessings, and struggles, many lessons learned and values instilled," Amee Cooper Forest said of the closure.
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"We should gather as a family at the store before keys are handed over and toast Joe & Rose, Jake & Lil, your mom & dad, the many loyal customers and employees from over the years.
"Cooper's Foods deserves a proper goodbye."
