Quick Poll
Is Memorial Day an 'off day' for you or a 'work day' with your business open?
- Working: 75
- Not Sure: 19
- Off Day: 317
- No Opinion: 36
Total Votes:
Published Friday, January 13, 2012 in Local
Photo by Jeffrey Leo
This sign was posted Thursday at the Food Lion on U.S. 29 North, Jackson Street in Newnan that the store is closing.
Food Lion closing its two Newnan supermarkets; 113 U.S. stores to close
By Alex McRae
The Newnan Times-Herald
Belgian supermarket group Delhaize, which owns the Food Lion grocery store chain, announced Thursday it is closing 113 U.S. stores, including the two in Coweta County.
The Coweta County stores -- located at 487 Jackson St., Newnan, and 2005 Hwy. 16 in western Coweta -- are expected to close within 30 days.
The corporate decision also brings the closing of 13 Bloom and Bottom Dollar Food stores in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. The 113 Food Lion closings are in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
In announcing the closings, Ron Hodge, CEO of Delhaize America, said in a press release: "Today's actions will continue to solidify our U.S. operations and enable our company to focus on our successful brand strategy repositioning at Food Lion and the expansion of Bottom Dollar Food in new markets. While these were difficult decisions given the impact on our associates, customers and communities, we believe these actions will enable us to better serve our customers in our markets with high density, while positioning the company for future growth."
It is difficult to judge how the closings will impact the local economy, but city of Newnan officials contacted Food Lion representatives Thursday to discuss the matter.
"We were very surprised to hear the announcement that the Newnan store is being closed," said City Manager Cleatus Phillips. "This location serves a large geographic area of Newnan and Coweta County. While the closing has a direct impact upon city revenues, we are concerned about the indirect impact upon the local economy due to job loss. City staff has been in contact with Food Lion representatives and the property management company in hopes of retaining a grocery store at this location."
The store closings will also affect at least one Newnan charitable organization.
Alison Wallace is executive director of Bridging the Gap, a non-profit organization that distributes food to those in need. Wallace said that Food Lion has been a wonderful partner with her organization and normally donates from 400 to 1,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each day to Bridging the Gap for delivery to hungry families and individuals.
Wallace said Bridging the Gap currently provides food for about 800 people each week.
"I hate to see [Food Lion] close," Wallace said. "They have been very helpful and supportive of us. But I know that God is in control and will help us meet our needs."
Wallace said her biggest concern is helping care for the workers facing the loss of jobs. Wallace estimated that close to 100 employees and their families could be affected.
She said Bridging the Gap will work closely with Food Lion employees to help them find another job and assist them in any way possible during the job search.
Wallace said in addition to providing direct support, her organization would help coordinate efforts with other agencies in the area, including the Ga. Department of Labor, to help fired Food Lion employees find work.
"What we need to do is come together as a community to help," Wallace said.
According to information on the Food Lion corporate website, Delhaize America plans to accelerate the rollout of 600-700 Food Lion stores in other markets. Company officials said that as a result of the closings, almost 5,000 workers nationwide will lose their jobs.
In addition to the two Newnan area stores, Food Lions will close in Carrollton, College Park, Conyers, Dallas, Douglasville, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Jefferson, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Evans, Martinez, Chatsworth, Fort Oglethorpe, Rossville, Trenton, Waycross, Macon, Warner Robins, Garden City, Rincon and Savannah.
Comment On This Story
Times-Herald.com does not necessarily agree with the comments posted below. Responsibility of comments rests solely with the writer. Comments posted in ALL CAPS will be deleted.
Submission of a comment does not guarantee publication. Comments will be posted by a moderator after being scanned for abusive language, relevance, etc. See our Comments FAQ for more details.
I really hate to see the stores close because a lot of the employee's that work at a lot of these are people I worked with at another store that closed September 2009 lot of feel like bad luck just follows us around
Posted by JB at 2:37 PM
I appreciate Food Lion pro-viding the residents of the West side of town a convenient option for grocery shopping. I am sad to see them go. I wish their employees and the neighboring businesses well;since the closing affects them most.
Posted by A at 7:46 PM
So sad to see Food Lion close. Even sadder for all of the employees and their families who will be losing their jobs. Watched my son and his family go through this with Eckerds/Rite Aid. Hate to hear of anyone facing unemployment.
Posted by Sue at 4:52 PM
I am so sad to see Food Lion go! I enjoyed the meat dept that is the only place I go for great sales on their meats! The staff was great and it was very convenient. Wishing all the employees much luck in finding new work.
Posted by SM at 3:27 AM
I work there and will be there until the doors are locked for the last time. I can't believe some people being "happy" about this. Really, you can post that? People are losing jobs! The economic and emotional impact will be felt for some time. And another person stated that employees didn't fit there really Cheryl? Most of the employees live within a five mile radius of the store. How did they not "fit"? And Nunya? Don't get me started.
Oh don't let me forget "Thank you and have a nice day!" I got your customer service.
Posted by Coral at 1:53 AM
I was shocked to hear that Food Lion is closing both locations here in Newnan. Yes, the Hwy 16 was convenient for me to stop at once I came to the west side of town, but it seemed that being rude was a prerequesite for the employees. Customer Service 101 - tell your customers "Thank you". Usually the cashier seemed they couldn't wait for me to go as I was bothering them or inturrupting their social life with the other employees. I am sad to know that in this economy more people will now be unemployed, but vowed to myself my last visit at that store would be just that. My last visit.
Posted by D at 10:19 PM
It is sad that we do not have the kind of local government that is smart about choosing partner business that it lets into the area. Off of their greediness and poor choices by not researching, we have tons of vacant buildings all over Coweta and no one wants to come in and even the City will not give proper tax breaks to get big names in consistantly. Bass Pro???
Posted by Glen Mims at 6:41 PM
Quadruple? The only thing you got right on that statement was the spelling. Apparently you don't do the family food shopping. Food Lion, (like most grocery stores) had great sales, and like all stores, had high prices on some items. Please know the facts before you inflate the statement.
Posted by Christy at 12:02 PM
may god bless you and take care of all of you and provide you with another job.
Posted by anita noble at 1:56 AM
Fact-The Newnan stores were the most profitable of all the new stores. These were serviced out of the DC in Clinton, TN. That DC will also be closing. Some stores never opened the next day. All of FL is closing. Very sad. FL is our customer & our Newnan business is suffering a loss, equally.
Posted by Concerned citizen at 6:25 PM
I'm so disappointed to see Food Lion go. Once again, that side of the county gets short-changed. I regularly shop at the Hwy 29 location and it was like walking into your neighborhood grocery. Everyone knows you, you know them; it is very comfortable. I've never gotten that from Kroger or Publix. I can't believe corporate ever gave them a chance. It's all about the all mighty dollar! It sounds like maybe someone at corporate didn't do their market research, with two stores located so closely together. I wish the employees the best and will keep them in my prayers.
Posted by B at 2:24 PM
Harvard Business Degree=Dream up overagressive expansion plan at tail end of a paper wealth economic boom, put too many stores in the wrong places, close all store within 3 year (even performing ones), invest that money in Southeat Asia who has a slowing economy (US always leads while Asia follows), collect bonus next quarter for your dream plan to increase profitability. Sorry Assosiates and Community!
Posted by Jim at 1:44 PM
Both Food Lion stores were making a profit - Corporate 'Geniuses' made the wrong decision to close these wonderful stores.
Hopefully, the Development Authority, the Mayor, the towns folk - can rally together and 'make some noise,' convince the CEO to REVERSE their decision.
Posted by Food Lion Fan at 11:54 AM
The executive board should be ashamed...but likely they will get bonuses for their "plan to return to more profitability". Someone had the misguided idea to have an overly agressive buildout and expansion at the tailend of a paper economic boom on the verge of collapse. Too many buildings in the wrong places. Now, close ALL of them just as the economy is showing improvement. All the lost jobs so that they can build out in Southeast Asia (where the economy is slowing). This from Harvard Business School graduates.
Posted by Jim at 10:40 AM
This may be a good site for an Aldi Store. It would be a little bigger than the other stores, but business would boom.
Posted by DJ at 2:53 AM
Up north we had a grocery called independant Grocery Assoc. or IGA there is no reason why the local manager or regional could not open an independant store using local supplies, the store is already running and with a 10% profit is not a terrible investment, there is worse these days.
Posted by John at 1:14 AM
We have a county development authority that purpose is to recruit new businesses AND to help existing industry get stronger. The existing industry staff should work nights to get another food chain to move into one or both of these vacated buildings ASAP.
Posted by Gene at 11:28 PM
I used to be the Meat Manager at Food Lion. I appreciate the opportunity that they gave me and the employment, as I was laid off from my previous job. I now work at Food Outlet, an independent grocery store, at the site of the old Piggly Wiggly. I feel for my previous associates and friends. It is all in the name of business and economics. It is all about the might $$$$$. I wish all them well and hope the local goverment and towns think about what they are allowing what is being built and/or entering into the town. We have a lot of abondoned/shutdown businessand buildings. NO MORE>>>>
Posted by Jim Poore at 11:02 PM
It would be nice to have a Publix in one of these locations.
Posted by Coweta Native at 11:02 PM
They are closing the stores due to a low profit margin, they hare showing a 10% ROI (return on investment) while the asian markets are showing a 32% this is why they are closing the stores and putting there money into asia this is where there corporate statement of "to accelerate the rollout of 600-700 Food Lion stores in other markets" comes from, other markets, which is asia
Posted by Manager at 10:48 PM
I'll miss you, Food Lion. HWY 29 store was a good location for me. The employees there are very nice.
Posted by Food Lioness at 10:25 PM
It was nice having a real grocery store close to home. I guess we might get another nasty Piggly Wiggly after Food Lion closes.
Posted by Coweta Native at 9:20 PM
Foreign companies are buying out america and will bring us down.
Posted by Jake at 8:31 PM
The newnan store was profitable, along with the one in sergant. the surround stores were not. the Profitable stores are closed because trucks would have to come from north carolina (not possible). when you see some of our associates, let them know you care, maybe even fill out a comment card about someones quality service to show that you care, as well as written proof that they are the best employees known to man.
Posted by Customer Service Associate at 8:26 PM
To understand, you have to look at who owns the undeveloped land around them, then you'll understand why the county - and those who control it - are driving growth in those areas when there wasn't really any reason for it. Then you understand why the same people block growth in other, more desirable areas (hint: they don't own the land there). The poor companies were lied to as to why they should open stores there and, ultimately, the county suffers from the empty buildings. But the old land owners don't care, they've sold their land to the unsuspecting stores and made their money.
Posted by Torrence at 7:53 PM
This is really bad news for those of us on the west side. First the Old Tin Gin, now Food Lion! Seriously though, with all the growth on Macedonia and up into Roscoe, as well as everyone in the Village and Sargeant, the store on 16 was incredible. Hopefully something will come in because I know I'm not the only one who hates driving out to Bullsburro or paying the guys at Witcher Station an extra buck for a half gallon of milk.
Posted by neighbor at 7:41 PM
I work for the highway 16 store. It was just as much of a shock to us as it was to our customers. We appreciate the support that our customers have shown. We too hope that a new store comes to Highway 16, as it was/is the only thing on that side of town. Thank you for your continued support!
Posted by Jennifer at 6:31 PM
I've used the Hwy 16 location since it opened to get my prescriptions. I hate that I have to change everything over to a new store now. That store was convenient for groceries and all, too. I will miss them greatly.
Posted by Paul Gamblin at 6:11 PM
When the building went up and they announced Foodlion would be moving in, I told my husband it would never make enough to be profitable. I have to say I think they proved me wrong. We never drove by when there weren't cars in the parking lot. They always seemed to have business. Some days and times of course were slower but they seemed to be doing well. I know they were a great help to us, as they were the only grocery store on this side of town. Their prices were a little high, but with an MVP card (everyone has one these days) and a little 'bargin' shopping you could do alright.
I don't think this is a local profit decision. From the looks of it they're pulling out of the entire southeast. Probably because more poor folks live down here. Much like Whole Foods, their intent is not to appeal to the low income, but those who can and will pay more. As a previous commentor said "Sargent Food Lion, we're gonna miss you terribly."
Posted by Brandi at 5:44 PM
If the locations aren't bad and the company was just mismanaged, I think someone will move in. Seems like there is no decent nearby alternative to people near either of these stores, and someone might see that. Plus being only a few years old is a plus. I have probably seen the 16 location but just can't visualize it, but the other location is pretty nice. That place in Thomas Crossroads is just an eyesore. There was a school district in TX where they actually bought a former grocery store and converted it into their business offices. It was surprisingly nice inside. They just gave the front a facelift, put up some drop ceilings and it looked pretty neat inside. Maybe one of these could become a church or something. We always need more of them around here.
Posted by AP at 4:59 PM
This store (Rt. 16) made my life so much easier. Rarely would I shop anywhere else because the store was such a convenience and asset to us West Cowetans, we felt strongly about supporting them to keep them in business in this crazy economy. Sears, Kodak, what's next? It's like a bad episode of South Park with only Walmart left. ALL the employees were super nice there and I even got to know a few regulars just by bumping into them shopping. Sargent Food Lion, we're gonna miss you terribly.
Posted by Stressed-out Working Mom at 4:27 PM
I, too, hate to see these 2 new stores go--and so soon after they arrived. Makes you wonder if (considering the economy) the home office ever really gave them a chance. They were convenient enough to pick up this & that but--FOR ME--their prices were not good enough for me to do my weekly shopping there. Perhaps if the chain would COMPETE, they'd get the business they require to keep these stores open. Sad for all affected! I hope another chain steps up to fill these spaces.
Posted by Regular Reader at 3:47 PM
hard to compete in Coweta with so many Publix, and Krogers and with Walmart in town.
Posted by Ryan at 3:43 PM
Oh, and remember, the economy is getting better. Ha, what a joke!!
Posted by StopFraudclosureinGA at 2:45 PM
I don't like to see these stores close. They had some pretty good sales. I just hope something useful goes in the buildings. Those of us on the west side of the county would like to have a chick-fil-a too..just sayin'.
Posted by homeschoolingmama3 at 2:25 PM
I think one Food lion store would have been fine, but two stores? I always thought that they were competing with themselves for customers on the West side. Sorry to see them go. The people working there were always very friendly. Next month it's back to Publix I guess.
Posted by Kirk N. Wilson at 2:17 PM
I'm sad to see Food Lion closing. We shop there at least weekly and have gotten to know many of the staff. It is nice to shop there because of resonable prices,clean store,friendly staff and great sales. My family will miss it.
Posted by KPA at 1:40 PM
I was saddenned to hear that Food Lion was closing all those stores, it was a shock. I previously worked for Food Lion and am sympathetic for my former fellow employees and friends. I now work down the street at family owned grocery store that took over an abandoned building and we are doing great. Maybe that is what should done now and in the future. Best wishes for all.
Posted by Former Food Lion Employee-JP at 12:49 PM
Story reminds me of the Alan Jackson song about the little man. But think about how the county has grown, matured and is getting a bit gray now....everything is now east of town. If not for the government and law enforcement presence in downtown, that too would be vacant. No Grocery store will be profitable enough in these areas.
Posted by On the Mark at 12:43 PM
I am so sad to see the hwy 16 location leave. It is so convenient to have such a great store over here, and I even switched all my prescriptions there. Now I will have to go all the way to Kroger or Wal-Mart wwhich is about 15 minutes farther away
Posted by Rebecca at 12:17 PM
I worked for this company for a year and some change and there is alot of good people that will be looseing ther jobs. I pray for each of them in their search for new jobs. I guess this just shows you can't trust foregin monry
Posted by Donald O'Neal at 12:17 PM
I love having the hwy16 location. I live literally 3 minutes away. I found that the prices there are very reasonable and it is so convenient not to have to go all the way to Kroger or Wal-mart which is about 20 minutes away. I am very sad to see them go!!
Posted by Rebecca at 12:14 PM
I knew these 2 stores wouldn't make it. Newnan has WAY too many grocery stores and restaurants and as Pete says, there will now be 2 eyesores standing empty. Such a waste of precious earth materials.
Posted by Nunya at 12:07 PM
Oh yes, we should make it almost impossible to build. That's the solution! Because nobody in those sections of town would have complained if this store wasn't allowed to build there. I don't know where the lcation is on 16, but I imagine there aren't many grocery stores around. As for the one on Jackson - I'm just glad I didn't move to Avery Park because the drive to Publix is further than I'd want to go for grocery shopping! Making it harder to build is not the solution. It's sad to see another empty shell, but nobody would have been happy if they couldn't build it in the first place. Since they're relatively new, perhaps these will move faster than the others. You probably couldn't pay me to move into one of the older run down vacant big boxes in Newnan. These ones might not be so bad. As there is more traffic on the bypass the Jackson location will become more prime.
Posted by AP at 12:05 PM
Newnan Shopper and steven: They're not going to keep one or two stores open in Coweta when it appears as if they are pulling out of the etire Southeast.
Britt: Youre comments echo a big city socialist with your requirement that they pay to tear down a building. Really? So their choice is to loose money by closing the business, or loose even more money by tearing down a perfectly good building? How do you know they even own the building?
Pete: Do you really want to make it impossible for businesses to make an investment in our community? Please tell me which businesses you frequent would currently be located in Coweta if we followed your plan?
Posted by Hey folks, just trying to help... at 11:53 AM
I am so sad to see Food Lion close its stores. I have loved shopping at the Hwy. 29 location and hope that another grocery store will go in there. It saves so much time in traffic and the smaller size makes for a faster shopping trip. So sorry about this.
Posted by citizen at 11:30 AM
That is why the city needs to make it almost impossible to build new stores here. 2 huge empty buildings will look terrible. I was not a fan of Food Lion anyway
Posted by Pete at 11:30 AM
This really makes me sad. What a loss for our community! Food Lion has been an exceptional partner in our community, assisting with school donations, and most importantly with BTG's mission of serving the hungry. I feel so badly for all who will lose their jobs, may God bless every one of them and direct their paths.
Posted by concerned citizen at 10:58 AM
I have been shopping the Hwy 29 location since day one. We love this store and were shocked to see the closing posted. The employees (who have become friends) were even more shocked... they found out just the night before. This store has also become a major supplier of charitable food for Bridging the Gap. I am sure another chain will replace Food Lion at this location. I would think they would keep the employees on and pray they will keep the relationship with Bridging the Gap.
Posted by Cowetan at 10:47 AM
Just as the resurgent process of Western Coweta is starting, they take a hit. I hope that some other store can come in and revive the area. Two brand new stores.
Posted by DJ at 10:38 AM
Since this company paid to have all of this retail space built, only to leave 2 years later...I think that it's only fair WHEN they don't get a replacement store, that they have to pay to have it torn down as well. Newnan already has enough vacant retail buildings.
Posted by Ponsonby Britt at 10:14 AM
We need food lion here on hwy 16 to help are commuity
Posted by steven at 10:00 AM
I bought ALL my Sunday roasts at Food Lion. Great price, great taste. Sad to see them close.
Posted by Cindy at 9:57 AM
If you look at the press release there is a email address for the public relations director. I think everyone with email should write in to save the Jackson St store. It serves a tremendous amount of people.
Posted by Newnan shopper at 9:41 AM
Most Popular
- Viewed
- Emailed
- Commented
- Store clerk shot during robbery; non-life threatening injuries
- Senoia's second Southern Living Idea House set to open June 2
- Blunt force trauma killed wreck victim
- You will have to renew driver's license in person starting July 1
- Middle school students facing drug charges
- Driver faces weapons and drug charges
- Suspect remains at large in burglary of One Roof Outreach
- Man in Blue: Will Smith called up by Kansas City Royals
- Motel Fire: Three families displaced; fireman's injuries minor
- Suspects sought in T-Mobile robbery
- You will have to renew driver's license in person starting July 1
- Man in Blue: Will Smith called up by Kansas City Royals
- HGTV's Green Home at Serenbe open through June 24
- Chattahoochee "endangered river?" Planned water reservoirs seen as hazard by national group
- Senoia's second Southern Living Idea House set to open June 2
- Middle school students facing drug charges
- A tribute to Robert Wood
- Suspects sought in T-Mobile robbery
- Summer HEAT program now underway in Georgia
- Northgate High set to graduate 420 seniors Thursday
- Summer HEAT program now underway in Georgia
- Do our police put too much emphasis on seat belt law?
- Pastor's Corner: Are you born that way or not?
- You will have to renew driver's license in person starting July 1
- Man in Blue: Will Smith called up by Kansas City Royals
- Railroad crossing now open
- High school graduation a significant milestone in the life of a student
- Chattahoochee "endangered river?" Planned water reservoirs seen as hazard by national group
- Unemployment rate dropping, but it still has a long way to go
- Northgate Spring Football Practice: Working on an encore
don't come to Publix
1/26/2012
Link To This Comment
JB - don't bring your bad luck crew to Publix!
Posted by AP at 12:26 PM