Fresh & Green's Legacy: Modern Art or Sign of the Times?

The illuminated sign that once hung above the storefront at Fresh & Green's supermarket in Arnold now lies in an unceremonious heap near its locked doors.

The local store closed at the end of 2013 with just a few weeks notice, when its parent company, Natural Markets Food Group said it was closing stores across the state. There has not yet been any announcement on what the future of the now-vacant store will be.

Fresh & Green's supermarket anchored the College Parkway Center in Arnold, also known as the Bay Hills Shopping Center. Several business owners within the center reported they had floundered since the supermarket chain replaced Superfresh in 2011. 

Brad McCormack closed his family's Hallmark store, Bay Hills Card and Gifts, in February after more than 25 years at the Arnold location. McCormack said he noticed a distinct decline in traffic at the shopping center after the supermarket changed hands two years ago. 

The same experience was related to Patch by Della & Jane owner Kim Cantoli, who said she saw traffic into the center diminish dramatically. Keeping her women and children's clothing store open quickly became unfeasible, and she has since seen success by transferring her wares to online marketplaces like Etsy.

Bob Burdon, President of the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, said having a strong anchor for shopping centers is essential. Without one, the smaller retailers can't thrive.

Thanks to a loyal Patch reader for the news tip on this story. Have a tip you'd like to share? Email me at d.frank.smith@patch.com.