Employees and community members were left reeling this week by the news that Pauls Valley’s Homeland grocery store is one of five stores companywide set for closure by mid-August. The announcement was made Monday by parent company Homeland Acquisition Corporation, Inc.
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company operates grocery stores in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Georgia under several names including Homeland, United Supermarket, Cash Saver and Piggly Wiggly.
Other locations set to be closed include stores in Kingfisher and Jay, Ponca City Discount Foods, and a Piggly Wiggly in Gordon, Georgia.
The decision to close the stores was made based on a review of their sustained financial performance and turnaround potential, according to Christin King, director of marketing and communications for HAC, Inc.
King said employees of the five store locations were notified of the closures Monday morning.
A public announcement of the closures was posted on the social media pages for each location by mid-afternoon on Monday.
“This was not an easy decision, and it comes with heavy hearts. For years, you have welcomed us into your lives and allowed us to serve this community we care about so deeply. Your loyalty, kindness, and support have meant more to us than words can ever express. We hope you’ll stop by so we can thank you in person for being such an important part of our story,” the statement read.
The Pauls Valley store closing impacts about 20 employees, according to King, with a total of 63 employees affected across all five stores.
“We are doing our best to ensure a smooth transition with the employees at these stores,” King said, adding the company is working with employees interested in filling open positions in other stores to find placement.
The closest HAC, Inc.owned stores to Pauls Valley include a Cash Saver in Purcell and a Homeland Store in Ardmore.
According to the company, the closing process will take place over the next five weeks, with the final day of operations set for August 16.
As of this week, the Pauls Valley location will not be receiving any more inventory deliveries. If stock is depleted before August 16, the store could close sooner, according to King.
With the closure of the four Oklahoma locations, King said the company continues to operate 63 stores in the state, including 32 Homeland Stores, 16 United Supermarkets, and 15 Cash Savers.
Originally built as a Safeway store, the Pauls Valley location has been serving the community as a Homeland Store since the 1980s.
