Closing of Arbutus Superfresh Leaves Shelves, Hearts Empty

A handful of customers peruse the half-empty shelves of the Arbutus Superfresh on a recent morning, filling baskets and carts with discounted items. But while some marvel at the bargains to be had, others lament the fact that their neighborhood grocery store is soon to be shuttered.

Adding to the scene are neon posters hang from the rafters every few feet with slogans like, “Nothing held back!”

The mood of the store is a mix of nostalgia and sadness.

“This was my first job,” Arbutus resident Maria Pruner said as she unloaded groceries into her car with her husband and newborn baby in tow.

Pruner, who worked at Superfresh as a teen, lives a few streets away and recalls walking to the market during the snowstorm of two years ago.

“This was our neighborhood store,” Pruner says. “I think most people who live here shop here…. It’s kind of sad to see it go.”

She conceded the closeout wasn't necessarily a surprise.

“We thought it was inevitable because it is so small and there are bigger grocery stores nearby,” she said.

The Arbutus store’s imminent closure is the result of the chain’s parent company, A&P, filing for reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As a result, Superfresh put more than 22 of its Maryland stores up for sale earlier this year. While many of those stores have been auctioned off, the Arbutus location will be closed.

“I will miss this store,” said Lila King, a customer who works in Arbutus and frequents the market on her lunch breaks. “It’s so convenient for me.”

Shoppers and employees described the store as a gathering place for those in the community, and that was demonstrated during this recent visit. Customers were seen chatting with each other across the aisles, while others mixed with store employees, offering condolences for the jobs lost.

The Arbutus store is down from 40 to 26 employees. When the store closes, all employees will be let go. However, a manager commented that many have already found jobs at other nearby grocery chains.

 Still, some employees worried about their future.

One who declined to be named but has worked for Superfresh for 14 years called the closing a “tragedy.”

“I was devastated and confused,” she said. When the store closes, her plan is to collect unemployment while she looks for another job to support herself and her 19-year-old daughter.

“We’re like family in this store,” she lamented. “It’s not as depressing as it is sad. The customers here are like family. I’ve met a lot of nice people.”

Shopper Colleen Walker agreed.

“It’s a shame,” she said. “It’s so nice to have a neighborhood grocery store …. I end up seeing people every time I come in here. It’s a social gathering spot.”

Walker said she has gotten to know Superfresh employees, unlike her experience at larger chain stores off Maiden Choice Lane.

“I definitely have personal relationships with everyone that works here,” she said. “I’m sorry they’re losing their jobs …. I’m sorry to see it go.”