Photo Courtesy of Western Supermarkets
Western Supermarkets, a long-time independent grocer in the Birmingham area, is discontinuing operations at all of its locations, the company said in a news release.
The Highland Avenue Western Market will close in the weeks to come, though it is “destined” for redevelopment in the future.
The Village Market in the East Lake area of Birmingham, which Western also owns, is for sale.
“When I became involved in ownership in 1987”, owner Ken Hubbard said, “our goal was to maintain Western as Birmingham’s leading independent grocer. With the help of the loyal and talented people on the Western team, we’ve achieved that goal. We’ve taken Western as far as we can. It’s time to exit the business that has been my life’s work.”
Publix announced it is acquiring the lease for two other Western locations, including the Vestavia Hills location and the location in Mountain Brook on Jemison Lane. The Mountain Brook location will be turned into a Greenwise store and is expected to open by the third quarter of this year, while the Vestavia location will be torn down and reopened as a 35,000-square-foot Publix, with no opening date set.
The acquisition for both leases is expected to close in March, according to a news release from Publix.
“Publix is always seeking locations where we can serve our customers and offer an exceptional shopping experience,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “This acquisition allows us to expand our presence in the Birmingham area, and we are very excited to bring one of our GreenWise Markets to this region.”
Impacted Western Market employees are encouraged to pursue job opportunities at Publix and will be provided with details on how to apply for employment.
Starting Jan. 9, all wine inventory will be priced at 20 percent off retail. The remaining inventory liquidation will begin Jan. 30.
