Earth Fare will close its Ocala location as part of the company’s nationwide shut down of all 50 of its stores.
Earth Fare, which is based in Asheville, North Carolina, announced on Monday morning that it would begin “inventory liquidation sales” at all of its stores effective immediately.
According to the company, although it implemented a variety of strategic initiatives aimed at “growth and expansion,” it faced continued challenges in the retail industry and could not refinance its debt, putting them “in a financial position” in which they could no longer operate.
“Earth Fare has been proud to serve the natural and organic grocery market, and the decision to begin the process of closing our stores was not entered into lightly” said the company’s press release.
Employees from the Ocala Earth Fare were told of the store’s closing just minutes before the news broke nationally.
The company will begin liquidation sales and will continue to look for “potential suitors” to purchase all of their locations, according to the release.
According to staff, the Ocala branch will close its doors towards the end of this month.
Earlier this year, the organic and natural grocer announced that they would close Indianapolis-area locations in Carmel, Noblesville and Greenwood. All three locations were under 8-years-old.Â