Residents React To Joseph's Marketplace Closing

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – Many area residents were sad, but not particularly surprised, to hear Joseph's Marketplace in Crystal Lake will be closing. While the exact reason for the closure is not known, many are speculating the Mariano's, which is under construction at the former Sear's site across the street, as well as the plethora of grocery stores along Route 14 is to blame.

And many Crystal Lake-Cary Patch Facebook followers took to social media on Tuesday to share their thoughts on the closing. Here is what one reader had to say:

I was told by someone from Joseph's on Friday that it is difficult for an independent grocer to "make it" when surrounded by super Wal-Mart's, Aldi's, Fresh Market, Fresh Thyme, etc. Sorry to see them close. Loved their produce & deli. According to this source, business had

Many more expressed their sadness over seeing Joseph's go.

I am so sad to see this store close. I made a point of shopping there when I visited from WI. They have fantastic produce and the deli/ bakery was amazing! Somedays the deli was 2 to 3 rows of people deep but it was so worth the wait.

I have always enjoyed shopping at Joseph's. The employees are friendly, the selection of groceries, deli and fruits and vegetables is amazing. I am very sorry to hear they are closing.

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The grocery store located along Route 14 opened in 2005. Joseph's is known for its produce section, deli, freshly prepared goods and other items that are tough to find elsewhere.

The Northwest Herald in a Monday article confirmed rumors that have been circulating and reported the store will close. The exact date of that closure has not yet been announced but could happen anywhere between one week and six weeks, according to reports.

The Northwest Herald reports:

Joseph’s survived the recession after it opened in 2005, filling the space left vacant by an Eagle Food Center Inc. store.
It also bounced back from a three-month closure in 2011 after a partial roof collapse as a result of a powerful summer storm.

• More on Patch: Joseph's Marketplace Roof Succumbs to Heavy Rains
  

It's unclear exactly why Joseph's will be closing now but an influx of new grocery stores popping up along Route 14 since the recession may have contributed. It's also unclear if the slated opening of Mariano's this spring at the former Sear's site, which is will be located not far from Joseph's, contributed to Joseph's decision to close.

Either way, the decision must have been made in recent weeks as store officials just posted a Facebook update on New Year's Day stating that are looking "forward to serving all of you in 2018." In recent days, loyal Joseph's shoppers began to leave comments on that post expressing their sadness over the local grocer deciding to close. They have also promised not to shop at Mariano's.

More via the Northwest Herald

We want to hear from you: What do you think about Joseph's closing? Your comments may be used in future reporting. Let us know in the comments section.

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