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There’s now an expiry date on the Broadway Avenue Extra Foods in Saskatoon.
Parent company Loblaw Co. Ltd. has confirmed in a statement that the doors on the store will close for good on April 23 after decades in operation.
Saskatoon city councillor Cynthia Block, whose ward includes the Nutana neighbourhood where the small grocery store is located, said she was shocked to learn of the closure and added it’s a huge blow to area residents.
“It would be really hard to overstate how important that grocery store is to the neighbourhood and to communities beyond that neighbourhood,” she said. “It really is a significant icon and the life of our city, in many parts of it at least.”
A request for an interview with a Loblaw company spokesperson was made, but a statement on the closure was sent from the public relations department instead.
It reads in part: “The decision to close this store was not an easy one, as we have a long history in the community and we value our customers and colleagues there. Unfortunately, the store has been unprofitable and we don’t expect that to turn around.”
The statement goes on to say the company is committed to fairness. Significant notice was provided, along with extended assistance programs. For those workers who are eligible, severance packages will be provided.
An employee who did not want to be named said 30 people work at the store, including 27 part-time staff. The store employee did not believe any of the part-time staff were eligible for severance.
Block said as someone who has lived in the area for 30 years, the closure of the Extra Foods will leave a big hole in not only the Nutana but also Buena Vista, City Park and Riversdale areas.
“It’s a devastating blow not only to my family, but to others as well,” Block said.
The closest grocery stores are nearly two kilometres away at the corner of Cumberland Avenue South and Eighth Street, and on Taylor Street and Clarence Avenue. Block said many area seniors have lived in the Nutana neighbourhood for 40 years or longer and don’t want to move.
“I think this will be particularly hard on folks that were really relying on that very close proximity to a grocery store,” she added.
Block said behind the scenes, there have been “significant efforts” to try and attract a grocery store to the downtown Saskatoon area as well, but with no success.
She hopes there are some smaller grocers in Saskatoon who might eventually be able to fill the gap in underserved neighbourhoods.
“I think it would be fantastic if a local grocer was interested in expanding to other areas of our city,” Block said.
It’s not clear whether the building will be demolished or whether it can be renovated for another tenant.
