SASKATOON – After just three-and-a-half years of being in business, Saskatoon’s Good Food Junction is shutting its doors. The decision to close the 20th Street local grocery was made after three years of low sales and the challenges that came with a highly competitive marketplace.
“It was just a trend that we tried to reverse. But try as we might, it was a trend that just wasn’t relenting. It’s in the best interest of the board and the membership of the good food junction,” said Audra Krueger, board vice-chair of Good Food Junction.
The co-op originally opened after a community-led initiative responding to a lack of affordable fresh food in the city’s west side core neighbourhoods. The community’s last remaining grocery store closed in the 1990s.
Despite the 1800 members standing behind the store, Krueger says ultimately, it could not drive enough customers in and just wasn’t making money.
“We’re playing the game of economies of scale. If we’re buying small amounts, the prices we can offer it for just aren’t as good as some of the larger players. And that’s just the reality,” she said.
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Krueger adds it’s disheartening to see local stores fighting to stay in business while losing to grocery giants, especially after several people worked to bring the store to life.
“It’s a very sad day. We have great staff. It’s not an enjoyable experience to have to let good staff go.”
The store is set to close Jan. 27 following an aggressive liquidation sale that starts Jan. 15.
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